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A GLIMPSE OF ALTOONA. 



HISTORY 



■OF THE — 



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BLAIR COUNTY. 



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PENNSYLVANIA RAILROAD CO. 



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Edited by Jas. H._Ewing and Harry Slep. 

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ALTOONA, PA. 

HARRY SLEP'S MIRROR PRINTING HOUSE, 

1880. 



Eulci-cil affoiiliiii; to Act of Conjii-css, in Mic yciw Irtfi. l)y riiirry Slcii. in the otTiee 
of tlic I,il)r;iriuii of Congress, :il \Vu>liington, I). C. 



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PR EFACE 



A hook without a profaco is considered iiiconii)lete. So is a ship 
without a fig-ure-head. In either case the affixture is more orna- 
mental than useful. A book without a preface is nevertheless a book, 
and a ship without a figure-head is nevertheless a ship. Notwith- 
standing- this, in conformity to a custom which has existed from time 
immemorial, and remembering- that custom makes law, and that law 
must be obeyed, we submit the following preliminary remarks : 

Before commencing- the preparation of a history of any particidar 
locality, a city or county for instance, the custom has been to call 
upon leading- citizens, and iiarticularly property owners, for coutri))u- 
tions of money to aid the project, the presumption l)eing- that the 
publication cannot fail to result in lienefit to the community. No 
one designing- to assume the position of publisher, unless he has more 
wealth than he knows how, otherwise, to disi)oso of, or is a literary 
gentleman of "elegant leisure,'' fond of seeing his name in ])rint, feels 
like solely de]iending ui)on the income derived from the sale of the 
book as remuneration for the expenditure of time, money and labor 
to which he would subject himself; for it must be remembered that 
the sale of such a l)ook, with l)ut trifling excejitions, is confined to 
the immedintc locality in which it is published, and, consequently but 
a limited number is demanded. Wh(Mi contributions have been ol)- 
tained, uidess very liberal, the price of the book is generally fixed at 
double the nmouut charged for i)ul)b'('ntions of corresponding size, 
quality of paper, binding, etc., and tiius i)laced beyond the reach of 
many of the poorer classes. 

In order to avoid the nec(>ssitv of calling upon citizens for contri- 
l)utions in money, and, at the sanu' lime to enal»le us to ])lace the 
l)ook within the reaeli of all, as well as to secure for ourselves a reas- 



4 PKEFACE. 

enable remuneration for labor and outlay of capital, we adopted the 
plan of calling upon merchants and other business men for advertis- 
ing- patronage, believing that to them, by publicity given, we could 
render an equivalent for the amount expended. They liberally re- 
sponded, as will be seen by the number of announcements, and we 
take this occasion to return our thanks. 

As will be observed the advertisements do not interfere with the 
text of the book. It is true that the arrangement of matter is some- 
what different from the course usually pursued by publishers, but the 
history is just as complete in itself as it would have been had not a 
single advertisement made its appearance. Indeed the business an- 
nouncements make the book more interesting, for, by this means, if 
no other, thc^ reader is enabled to discern who the wide-awake busi- 
ness men are, and such as are possessed of sufficient public spirit, as 
citizens, to aid in enterprises which result in good to the community. 

This book is not perfect — no man ever saw one that was — but we 
console ourselves with the reflection that we did the best we could 
under the circumstances, sparing neither labor, time nor expense in 
getting at the facts underlying the sulyects treated. 

As members of this community, and feeling a deep and abiding 
interest in its prosperity and future advancement, we hope the facts 
and statements Ave have given will be Avell received by the pul)lic, 
and will serve to abridge the labor of future historians. 

We are under many obligations to Mr. L. P. Farmer, the efficient 
and polite General Passenger Agent of the Pennsylvania Railroad 
company, for favors extended to us. 

PUBLISHERS. 



ALTOONA-ANDoBLAIRCOUNTY, 



INTRODUCTION. 

In a restrictt'd scn^^c, leaviufi- out the (lisi)arity of years, the life 
of a city is like the life of a Jiiaii. Tlirri' is iiifant-y, pulicrty, adol- 
esooiK'c, manhood, old ngv, and death. Were tiie lives of eities co- 
.cxtensive with the liv,es of anen, Ave miiiht approiiriately say that Al- 
toona has passed through the period of infancy, with its imbecility, 
helpl.essn,ess and perils. It has not only reached the age of puberty, 
but, from that point has passed through the entires jx-riod of adoles- 
cence. It has arrived at the age of thirty-one years, adolescence, in 
man, according to Dunglison, closing at five-and twenty, and, there- 
fore, has fully entered upon a career of vigorous manhood. What m 
triumph to commence with! 

THE PATERNAL PARENT OF ALTOONA. 

Cities, like men, have fathers or founders. Previous to 1S41I Al- 
toona existed, figuratively speaking, only in an eml)ryotic condi- 
tion. It was conceived by the Pennsylvania railroad, and. in the 
year just mentioned, was brought forth a living child. 

As we have adopted the allegorical style of writing, we will con- 
tinue it a little further I)y giving a laconic sketch of the birth and 
life of the Pennsylvania railroad, the father of Altoona. In doing 
so we preface it with some general railroad and steam menu)randa. 
the appositeness of which, in this connection, will ))e readily jx'r- 
ceived and appreciated : 

PRIMARY xVTTEMPTS AND SUCCESSES. 

Beaumont, an English miner, in the early period of the Seven- 
teenth century, invented the first railroad (wood tracks), on which 
coal wagons w^re drawn by horses. It was built at Xewcastle-on- 
the-Tyne. The first rails wholly made of iron were cast in England, 
in ltt(). In 1754 iron wheels were introduced. A .steam engine 
was completed by Xewcomen and Cawley, in IT 10. A Cornish 



6 Hl.-^T(»RY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY. 

jniiicr, by the iiainc of Savarv, constructed one in 1718. In 1770 
James Watt made an imi)roved engine. In 1804, Richard Trevithick, 
of Cornwall, constructed a l(K'omotive to run upon the Merthyr- 
Tydvil railroad, in AVales. It drew, at the rate of five miles an hour, 
several wagons laden with ten tons of bar iron. In 1814, George 
Stephenson, of England, completed the first effectivt' locomotive, and 
that was not very effective. The " Rocket," which he constructed 
in 1829, succeeding other locomotives he had built, took a premium 
of £500, offered by the Liverpool & Manchester Railroad company. 
Shortly after, Mr. Seguin, a French engineer, introduced locomotives 
in France. In September, 1809, the first experimental railroad track 
in the United States was laid l)y John Thomson, a civil engineer, of 
Delaware county, Pennsylvania, and constructed under his direction 
by Somerville, a Scotch millwright, for Thos. LeiptT, of Philadelphia. 
It was sixty yards in length, and graded to one and one-half inch to 
the yard. The gauge was four feet, and the slee})ers were eight feet 
apart. The experiment with a loaded car was so successfid that Lei- 
per had the first ])ractical railroad built in the United States, con- 
structed for the trans})ortation of ston(^ from his ([uarries on Crum 
creek to his landing on Ividlev creek, Delaware county, Pennsylva- 
nia, a distance of about one mile. It continued in use for aliout nine- 
teen years. The first railroad in America over which a locomotive 
Avas run was that of the Delaware & Hudson Canal company, at 
Honesdale, Pennsylvania, to connect their mines with the canal. The 
locomotix'e was called "The Stowbridge Lion." It was tried on the 
road on the Sth day of August, 1829— found too heavy for success- 
ful use on the roadway, was housed up and finally taken to pieces 
and destroyed. The first stone on the Baltimore & Ohio railroad was 
laid on the 4th July, 1828, by Charles Carroll, of Carrollton, Mary- 
land. At first the cars were propelled by sails, afterwards liy steam. 
The first locomotive regularly run on that road w^as made by Phineas 
Davis, at York, Pennsylvania, in 1831. The first gauge of railroads^ 
(as in England) was four feet eight and one-half inches, correspond- 
ing with tile width of ordinary English wagons. 

Content with general railway memoranda we will now sjjcak of the- 

PEN NSYLV ANI A RAILROAD. 

On the loth day of Ai)ril, 184(), an act was passed to incorp(jrate 
the Pennsylvania Railroad coini)any. The ca])ital was fixed at $7,- 
500,000, with the ])rivilege of increasing the same to $10,000,000. 
On June 22, 184(), books were opened for subscriptions to the stock 



HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND P.LAIR COUNTY. t 

ill various places in tlu' State. Mr. John Kd^ar Tiionison entered 
upon his duties as chief eng-ineer of the road in tlie early part of 
1847. The grading- of the first twenty miles of the road west of 
Harrisl)urg- was let on July Ki, 1847, and on the 22d of the same 
month fifteen miles east of Pittsburg- were put under contract. On 
December 10, 1852, cars were run throug-h from Philadeliihia to I^itts- 
burg-, connections between the eastern and western divisions being- 
formed by the use of the Tortag-e road over the mountains, the road 
of the rennsylvania comiiany not being- finished there until Febru- 
ary 15, 1854, when it was formally opened, and the first trains passed 
throug-h Pennsylvania without use of thi> incline planes, of which 
the Portag-e consisted. 

PORTAGE RAILROAD. 

The commencement of the construction of the Allegheny Portage 
railroad was authorized by an act of the Legislature of Pennsylvania, 
passed the 21st day of March, 18'^1. Previous to that time surveys 
of the Allegheny mountains had been made by several eminent engi- 
neers, and these surveys had thrown much light on the topography 
of the country through which the railroad was to pass. Sylvester 
Welch was appointed princi]ial engineer of the work 1)y the Board of 
Canal Commissioners, and he organizcMl his locating party, and had 
the tents pitched near Lilly's mill, at the head of the mountain liranch 
of the Conemaugh, on the 12th day of April, 1831. The locating 
party, at the beginning, consisted of Sylvester Welch, principal engi- 
neer; Solomon W. Rolierts, principal assistant engineer; Patrick 
(xriffin, surveyor ; and twelve assistants, axe men and cook. The line 
commenced at the head of the Little Conemaugh and continued down 
the valley of that stream to Johnstown, a distance of twentv-one 
miles, where it connected with the western divi.sion of the Pennsylva- 
nia canal. The western end of the railroad was located on the 14th 
day of May, 1831. In the month of May, :\[r. W. Milnor Roberts 
joined the corps as principal assistant engineer, and traced the line 
from the turnpike crossing, near the summit of the mountain, to 
Lilly's mill, a distance of five miles. The grading and masonry of 
the twenty-six miles were contracted for at Ebensburg on the 25th 
of May, and the work commenced by clearing a track one hundred 
and twenty feet wide through the forest, most of which consisted of 
heavy spruce or hemlock timber. The location of the line from the 
turnpike crossing, near the summit of Blair's Gap, eastward to Hol- 
lidaysbnrg, a distance of ten and two-thirds miles, was immediately 



ft HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY. 

proc'c'etlecl with. This part of tlic worlv was let to contractors on the 
29th day of July, 1831, and thus the ii-radin,u' and nuisonry of the 
whole railroad l)ein<i' thirty-six and two-thirds miles in len^n-th, were 
put under contract. The layin«i- of the first track, and the necessary 
turnouts of edg^e rails, and of a double track of plate railway on in- 
cline planes, were contracted for on the 11th day of Ai)ril, 1832. 
The work upon the road was prosecuted vigorously ; at one time a 
force equal to two thousand men being employed upon it, and on the 
26th Noveiidjcr, 1833, the first track was so advanced as to permit 
the passage of the first car over its entire length. On the 18th of 
March, 1834, the road was opened asai)id)lic highway, the State fur- 
nishing the power on the incline i)lane only, and it continued in use 
until the 31 st of December, when the navigation of the canals of 
Pennsylvania, which this road connected, was closed for the season. 
The railway was again opened on the 20th March, 1835, shortly after 
which the second track of edge rails was completed. On the 11th of 
May the State began to furnish the whole motive power, loc(imotive 
engines being used on the "long level," and this continued until al)Out 
the middle of December, when the canals were closed by ice. 

The Portage road consisted of eleven "levels" or grade lines, and 
ten incline ])lanes. The ascent from Johnstown to the summit is 
1,1 71 1*^0 'f*'*^'^ '1^ ^ distance of 2('-,°e'„ miles. The descent from the sum- 
mit to Hollidaysburg is l,3',)8iVo ^''^'t iu a distance of lOj",, miles. 

There were five incline planes on each side of the mountain, vary- 
ing in inclination from 4° 9' to 5^' 51', or from Ti^ f*'<'t elevation to 
the 100 feet base. They were numlx'red eastwardly, the one nearest 
Johnstown being Xo. 1, and that l)eing nearest Hollidaysburg Iteing 
No. 10. A part of the railway, generally 300 feet -long at the head 
and foot of each plane, was nuide exactly level. The i)lanes are all 
straight in plan, and also in profile, except that the angles of eleva- 
tion at the lower ends were rounded oft'liy curxcs. There are some 
minor variations in the grades on the "levels" made to suit the 
ground. From tlie lengths and heights given in the following tattle 
the average gradt' of each plane may be obtained correctly. 

NO. OF PLANE. LENGTH I?f FEET. lilSE IN FEET. 

PlaueNo.l 1,()07.74 l.iO.OO 

Plane No . '2 1,7<>0,4;J i;«.40 

Plane No. 3 Ut^.-i:-) l.W.oO 

Plane No. 4 '2,195.04 l,S7.8(i 

Plane Xo. 5 ■2,(i2S.(i() '201.(54 

Plane No. (i '2.710.8.1 im.m 

Plane No. 7 2,ai5.01 •2(i0.r)(l 

Plane No. S ;!.l l(i.92 307.6(» 

Plane No. 9 '2,7'2().8() 18.9.i() 

Plane No. 10 '2,'29.i.61 1S0..t2 



IITSTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY. 9 

Tiic cinhankiuciits wwr iiuulc 2.") feet wide on top, and the hcd of 
the road in excavations was 25 feet with side ditches. Sixty-('i,<i-]i1 cul- 
verts of masonry, the sum of tiie sjians of wlncli is 494 feet, passed 
umh'r tlie road, hesi(h's eiu-hty-(i\(' (h'ains of dry masonry of from 
two to live feet span. Tliere were four viaducts of iiammer dressed 
stone; the first and hiru'cr was o\-er the Conemau_«>'li, at " Ilorse-shoc; 
Bend," al)out eiii'Iit miles from Johnstown. This had a sing'le 
semi-circnhu- ar(di of 80 feet span, and tlie toj) of the nuisonry Avas 
TO feet above tlie surface of tlie water. The whole cost of this work 
was $54,5(52.24, and by building' it a lateral bend of about two miles 
was avoideti. There were two viaducts over the branches of the 
Conemanji-h, each of 40 feet span, one over the Juniata at HoUi- 
daysl)ur_i>- havinii- two arches of 33 feet span, which vary 35 deg-rces 
from a riii'ht ang'le with the abutments. There was a tunnel throug-h 
a spur of the mountain, at the head of i)lane Xo. 1, a))Out four miles 
from Johnstown. This tunnel was 901 feet loni>- and 20 feet wide 
by 19 feet high within the arch. It was arched for 150 feet at each 
end, and the entrance furnished with facades of cut stone. The 
whole cost (.if tlu^ tunnel was 131,498.85. The ed,<>-e rails used wer(^ 
]»arallel rails of rcdlcd iron, weiiihing- 40 pounds per lineal yard. 
They were supported by cast-iron chairs, which weigdied on an average 
13 pounds each. The rail was secured in each chair by oni' iron 
wedge. The stone blocks which sujtport the chairs contained 3-2- cubic 
feet each, and were imljedded in Iiroken stone, at a distance of 3 feet 
from centre to centre. On part of the road the chairs were laid upon 
a tindier foundation, and on the incline jilane and along the canal 
l)asins, at the termination of the road, flat rails upon timber were used. 
At the head of each incline ])lane tlK're were 2 stationary steam en- 
gines, of 35 horse-power each, which gave motion to the endless 
rope to which the cars \vere attached. Oidy one engine A\'as used at 
a tinu', l)ut two were provided to jirevent delay from accidents. Four 
rars, each loaded with 7,000 iinunds, could be drawn u]). and four be 
let down at the same time, and from six to ten such trips made in an 
houi-. The machinery was simple and effective in its construction, 
and was superintended by P^dward Miller, as principal assistant engi- 
neer. A safety car attended the other cars, both ascending and de- 
scending, and stopped them in case of accident to the rojie. The 
credit of this contrivance was due to Mr. Wtdch, principal engineer. 
The grubl)ing and clearing of the road, a difficult piece of workman- 
ship, cost $30,524. The grading of the road, including grul)bing, and 
cleaning, and all other work done under contracts for grading cost 



10 HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY. 

$472,162.50^. This work iuoludcd 337,220 culjic yards of common 
excavation; 212,034 of slate or detached rock; 506,932 of hard pan 
or indurated clay ; 210,724 of solid rock; 14,857 solid rock in tunnel, 
at $1.47 per yard; 967,060 cubic yards of embankment carried over 
100 feet ; 37,327 perches of slope wall, of 25 cubic feet; 13,342 i)erches 
vertical slope wall in drains, the viaducts, culverts and brid,i>'es in- 
cluded. Plane No. 6 contained 28,368 perches of masonry. P'or the 
first track there were delivered 50,911 stone l)locks, which cost $27,- 
072.15; 508,901 feet lineal of 6x8, and 2,842 feet 12x12 inch timber, 
which cost $17,184.50. The amount done' under the contracts for 
"laying" railway amounted to $135,776.26.. 

All of the iron rails were imported from Great Britain, by A. & 
G. Ralston, Philadelphia, and also part of the chairs, spikes and 
wedges for the first track. The t(jtal cost of British iron at Phila- 
delphia, imported for the first track, was $118,888.36. The aggregate 
cost of all work done, and materials furnished under contract, for the 
first track comi)lete, Avas $430,716.59i For the second track, there 
were imported 16,976 bars of edge rails, each 18 feet long, which 
weighed 1,803 tons and 1,400 pounds gross, and cost, at Philadelphia, 
$43.51 per ton. The aggregate cost of all work done and materials 
furnished, under contract, for the second track, was $3()3,937.05i. 
The aggregate cost of the ten stationary engines, houses, sheds, 
dwellings, water pipes, ropes, etc., was $151,923.30^ The total cost 
of the Portage railroad was $1,634,357.69. But this does not include 
office expenses, engineering, or the extra allowance to contractors l)v 
the Legislature after the work was completed. Four locomotive en- 
gines were used on the "long level." 

Fifty thousand tons of freight and twenty thousand jjassengers 
passed over the road during the season of 1835. 

15(IAT TAKEN OVER THE ALLE(iHENY AIOI'NTAINS. 

In his History of Cam))ria County, pul)lished nearly half a cen- 
tury ago, Mr. Shernuin Day refers to the first l)oat taken over the 
Allegheny mountains, in October, 1834, on the Portage railroad. 
He says: "Jesse Chrisman, from the Lackawanna, a tributary of the 
north branch of the Suscpudianna, loaded his boat, 'Hit or Miss,' with 
his wife, children, l)edsand family accommodations, with j)igeons and 
otlu'r live stock, and started for Illinois. At Hollidaysl)urg, where 
he expected to sell liis boat, it was suggested by John Doughertv, of 
the Reliance Transportation line, that the whole concern could be 
safely hoisted over the mountain, and set afioat ay-ain in the canal. 



HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND HI.AIR COUNTY. 11 

JVIr. DuiiylRTty prepared a railroad car calculated to hear the novel 
Ijurden. The l)oat was taken from its ]»roi)er element, ])laced on 
wheels, and, under the superintendence of Major ('. Williains, the 
"boat and cargo at noon on the same day began their progress over 
the rugged Allegheny. All this was done without disturbing the 
family arrangements of cooking, sleejung, etc. They rested a night 
•on the top of the mountain, like Noah's ark on Ararat, and descended 
next morning into the valley of the Mississippi, ami sailed for St. 
Louis." 

GRADUAL ASCENT OF THE PENNSYLVANIA RAILROAD. 

The road commences a gradual ascent at Ilarrisburg where it is 
310 feet above tide, and rises regularly. At Lewistown it is 480 
feet above tide; at Huntingdon, G 10 feet; at Tyrone, 88(5 feet ; at 
Altoona, 1,168 feet. Up to this point the heaviest gradient per mile 
lias not exceeded 21 feet. A short distance west of Altoona this 
gradient is increased to 1)5 feet per mile on straight lines, and 82 feet 
per mile on curves. Thus, ascending, it reaches its culminating point 
at the west end of the great tunnel, where its altitude above tide is 
2,lfil feet. The highest gradient west of the tunnel is 52i*;, feet per 
mile, and the average gradient on that end is 2i'^g feet ])er mile. At 
Johnstown the elevation above tide is 1,184 feet ; at Greensl)urg. 
1,090 feet, and at Pittsburg 748 feet, being 438 feet higher at its 
western terminus than at Harrisburg, where it commences to over- 
come the barrier presented l)y the mountains. 

SUMMARY OF ITS PROGRESS. 

The rise and progress of the Pennsyhania railroad is wonderful. 
At first but a link in the chain of intercommunication Ix-tween Phil- 
adelphia and Pittsburg, it has become the greatest highway of travel 
and traffic on the face of the earth. The road and its connections 
permeate all sections of the country. To transact its extended and 
diversified ])usiness the company now owns and runs upon its own 
lines upwards of 1,000 locomotives, upwards of 1,000 passenger cars, 
and about 20.000 freight cars. It owns 2,000 miles of completed 
road, and controls about 5,000 miles more. Its workshops cover an 
area of more than 500 acres. It employs 25,000 men, many of whom 
are mechanics and experts of the highest skill. It has upwards of 
200 foreign ticket offices and agents (independent of those at its own 
stations), established in thirteen different States. It has developed 
mines, created manufactories, established commerce, etc. 



12 



HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY. 



AND DON'T YOU FORGET IT, 



STOVES 



HOUSE FURNISHING GOODS 



TIN, SHEET-IRON AND COPPER WARE, 



ROOFIXd AND SPOUTINCl rPvOMPTIA' ATTENDED TO. 



Best Materials — Lowest Prices., 



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No. 1108 Eleventli Avenue, 



ALTOOXA, PA. 



HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND ULAIR COUNTY. 13' 

Oil F('l)niiirv 2, iSn'i, Mr. .1. Kduiir 'IMHUiisdii was elected Pre>i- 
(leiitdf the Pennsylvania llailroad eonipany. 1 le died on May "27, 
18T4. The vacancy was tilled Ity the (dection of Thomas A. Scott, 
who had been actin<>- in the cajiacity of Yice Presiih'nt since March 
4, 1860. It is trne, however, that the position Mr. Scott Indd 
as Yice President was, for a time, merely nominal, for, on Au<>-iist 1, 
1861, he was appointed Assistant Secretary of War. On June 1, 
1802, he resi<>-ned this position, and resumed his duties as an officer 
of the road. But, again, in 1868, he was recalled to the War depart- 
ment, by Secretary Stanton, and on the 24th S(>ptembcr of iliat 
vear was create(l ('olon(d and Assistant (Quartermaster. After ren- 
dering- efficient service to the (xON-crnment for a short time he again 
resumed his railroad duties. 

The prosperity of the Pennsylvania railroad, is uuiiiily attributa- 
ble to its management under the direction of J. Edgai- Thomson 
and Thomas A. Scott, the latter being justly recognized as the most 
efficient railroad officer in the United States, and, probably, in the 
world. 

From the thirty-third annual report of the lioard of directors to 
the stockholders, presented at the meeting h(dd March 9, 1880, we 
learn that the gross earnings of the Pennsylvania railroad division, 
between Pittsburg and Philadelphia, were $21,743,628.31 ; expenses, 
$11,751,620.55; net (varnings, $«),;)92,007.t6 ; add interest for invest- 
ments, $2,513,198.21 ; deduct interest on bonded debt, etc., $5,022,- 
725.49— leaving the net income $7,482,480,48. The earnings of the 
United railroads of New Jersey division were $9,784,843.05, and the 
expenses, $6, 500, 861. 53. After deducting payments on account of in- 
terest, etc., there is a loss of $939,889.00 for the year, against a loss 
of $,136,715.16 for 1878. The Philadelphia and Erie division shows 
earnings of $3,091,807.81, and exi)enses of $2,130,258.07. In order 
to provide for the cancellation of $4,970,000 of lirst mortgage bonds, 
due December 31, 1880, the Board of Directors have caused to lie 
issued $5,000,000 of 5 per cent, bonds, due in forty years. 

Since the above was written Thomas A. Scott resigned the presi- 
dency of the company. His resignation took effect on the 1st June, 
(1880). George B. Roberts, First Yice President, was elected t(. lill 
the vacancy at a special meeting of the Board of Directors held on 
the 5th May. This gentleman began his career of service with the 
Pennsylvania Kailroad company in the spring of 1851 as a rodman in 
the engineer corps, and was, during the following summer, promote(l 
to the position of assistant engineer in charge of the division on the 



14 HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY. 

suiniiiit of the Allegheny mountain, which division included the great 
tunnel. In 1869 hd was elected Fourth Vice President, in 1872 
Second Vice President, and in 1874 First A'ice President. When 
Col. Scott was made President, Mr. Roberts (as First A'ice I'resident) 
had charge of all engineering matters connected with the construc- 
tion or extension of any of the comiiany's lines, and a general super- 
vision over the accounts of the company through the comi)troller. He 
also aided the President in all matters connected with other roads 
leased or controlled hy the Pennsylvania Railroad company. On Felv 
ruary '.), 1ST5, he was re-elected Secretary and I'reasurer of the West 
Jersey railroad, a i)ositioii he had held for nine years, and in 187(i 
became President. Mr. Roberts is distinguished for his conscientious 
devotion to interests intrusted to his care. With him railroad engi- 
neering is one of the exact sciences. His thorough training and 
great <'xi)erience have rendered him perfectly familiar witli every- 
thing connected with railway l)usiness. 



HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY. 15 



Blair County. 



BOUNDS, POPULATION, ETC. 

Blair county, on the north, is hounded l)y Centre and Clearlield ; 
on the east Ijy Huntinii'(h)n ; on tlie soutli hy IJedford ; on the west 
b}^ Cambria. It is composed of portions of Bedford and Jluntinj;-- 
dou counties, which were cut off and assigned ))y an act of tlie Legis- 
lature of February 2(5, 184G. The county was named in honor of 
Mr. John Blair, a ix'ominent, intelligent, and highly esteemed citizen. 

When the census was taken in 1870 the poi)ulation of tlie county 
numbered 38,051. At this time of writing the census for 1880 has 
not been taken. The work will be accomplished, however, Ijefore 
this book will l)e completed, and tlie rt'sult \\'ill a])pear on a subse- 
quent page. 

AGRICULTURAL AND MINf]RAL RESOURCES. 

The land is not noted for its fertility so far as agrieultural products 
•are concerned, excepting a tract of country called "Morrison's Cove," 
a portion of which lies in Blair, which is noted for the production of 
grain inferior to none in the market; the land lying in close proxim- 
ity to Hollidaysburg, and that comprising "Scotch" and "Canoe" val- 
leys. But the mountains produce iron ore in abundance. At the 
time this ore was converted into solid metal by means of small char- 
coal furnaces, it was taken to Pittsburg on wagons, at a cost of $30 
per ton for transportation, making it an expensive article of merchan- 
dise. 

In this connection we feel justitied in remarking that were a little 
more energy and enterprise exhil)ited, the nuirket for the excellent 
'Ores of Blair and adjoining counties would l)e greatly increased. So 
far as the Pittsburg W(n-ks are concerned, Western Pennsylvania iron 
enjoys a protective tariff in the shape of railroad rates, which would 
give it virtual control of the market. The prices for pig-metal in 
Cleveland are: Lake Superior, No. 1, !!;12.50; do. Xo. 2, $12; brown 
hermatite, $10. This is al)out the same quality of ore, l)ut contains 
more phosphorus than the ores of lilair and neighl)oring counties- 
The freight to Pittsburg is about $1.90 per short ton, or $2.2;') per 
long ton. At this rate our vOtj? can be didivi'red in Pittsburu- at about 



16 HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY. 



If you want Batigains, here is the place ta 
get tliem. We propose to offer Extra Induce- 
ments to our customers for the year 1880, and 
all subsequent years. We shall exert every 
means to spread still farther the name of the 
place where the most goods can be bought for the 
money ; where the clean cash tells the wonderful 
tale of its powerful influence. — Remember, we 
talk cash to all — the rich and poor alike. We 
neither ask nor give credit, the interest of which 
is always added to your bill when "I TRUST" 
sells the goods. We claim and can prove that 
we give more goods for the money. This fact 
we have for the last three years fully demonstrated 
to this community. 



BALTZELL & ROUSS, 



ALTOOIvTA, PA. 



New York Office, 376 Broadway. 



HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COLNTY. . IT 

$().T5 por ton ; loss than the Ix'st ore costs in (Mcxcland, w liidi. 
when taken to I'ittsburg-, has the additional cost of fri'i^hts. As a 
cons('(|ucncc of this, onr home ores should he introduced in Pittsl)ur^', 
wlu're a ji'ood market could be secured. It would be well for IJiair 
county minors to think of this matter. 

At pvosont there are eleven furnaces in the county, which, when 
in full blast, are ca})able of producinji' uj)war(ls of 1,000 tons of iron 
per week, and that, too, of sujx'rior (juality. We ai)i)eud 

A LIST OF TlIK FURNACES. 

" Alle<»-hony," in Alleghony ; " Bonnin<>'ton," in Allegheny; "No. 
One," in Hollidaysburg ; "No. Two,'' in Hollidaysbnrg- ; ".Etna," 
in Catharine townshii) ; " S])rin,<i'tield," in AVoodberry townshii) ; 
"Martha," or " Oap," in Freedom township; " Kodnuin," in Taylor 
township; " Frankstown," in P'rankstown townsiiip ; "Juniata," in 
Juniata township; " Elizabeth," at Elizabeth Furnace. 

The last-mentioned furnace was but recently re-started, having 
lain dormant for about six years. 

In addition to the aliove iron works there are four rolling mills 
and t\\o nail factories. 

SINKING VALLEY. 

The valley called by this name received notoriety at an early pe- 
riod, on account of furnishing one of the principal articles of am- 
munition with which the Indians, after getting into possession of 
fire-arms, were in the habit of punishing their enemies, vva\ or su])- 
posod. We allude to lead, which was ol)tained from mines in that 
locality. But the mines had been worked more especially in the in- 
terest of the American government during a i)eriod of the revolu- 
tionary war — that is, for about one year and a half previous to the 
fall of 1779, when the government turned over the mines to private 
individuals, relieved of all apiirehensions as to a sufficiency of lead 
for the armv from large receipts al)road, facilitated by an alliance 
with France. While operations were carried on at the mines by the 
Government, a garrison was regularly maintained at the fort in the 
neighborhood, which was mounted with two i»ieces of artillery. The 
miners who received the works from the Government soon aliandoned 
them, and they have never been successfully operated since. At 
different times they have been started, and in 1852 a comi)any was 
formed in New York, called the "Sinking Talley Lead Mining Com- 
panv," which promised great things, l)ut in a short time its l)ubble 



18 . HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY. 

of pro^^perity burst, and the hoi)e.s of its stockholders vanished into> 
air. 

One hundred years a.s'o (ItSO) Sinking or Bald Eagle valley con- 
tained about forty families, who lived in log houses. The planta- 
tions were two or three miles from each other, so that when disa- 
greements with Indians occurred they Avere at tht'ir mercy, unable 
to concentrate in time to resist their attacks. 

Sinking valley is some three miles east of Tyrone. For beauty 
of scener}', historic interest, and natural curiosities, it deserves to 
take rank among the most interesting places in the United States, 
It is formed by a rugged chain of mountains on the east, called Ca- 
noe ridge, and by Bald Eagle mountain on the west. It is extensive 
and fertile, containing many highly-improved farms, mills, iron works, 
and an intelligent jxipulation. 

NATURAL CURIOSITY. 

The great natural curiosity of this valley is Sinking creek, from 
whicli it takes its name. This creek emerges from Arch Spring, and 
then proceeds to lose itself, again and again, as it flows onward. 
Some of the pits through which the creek is visible, are several hun- 
dreds of feet in depth. Many of these openings are seen along the 
sinking stream, which at length appears upon the surface for a short 
distance. It then enters a large cave, through which it flows in a 
channel about 20 feet wide, for a distance of more than 300 yards, 
when the cave widens, the creek turns, and is plunged into a cavern 
where the waters are whirled and churned with terrific force. Sticks 
and large pieces of timber are immediately carried out of sight, but 
where they go has never lieen ascertained, no outlet for the waters 
having been discovered. 

A stream flowing through Tyrone has characteristics somewhat 
similar to this Sinking creek — disappearing and again reappearing as 
it flows onward. Doubtless these singularities are owing to some 
peculiar geological formation, as they are again repeated in Fishing 
creek. Centre county, some 40 miles northeast of Tyrone. 

A few miles from Arch Spring is a narrow pass, in Tussey's 
mountain, which, for the distance of a mile, is cut like a western 
gulch or ravine through huge rocks rising almost perpendicularly on 
l)oth sides of it to a consideral)le height. The early settlers named 
the pass "Water Street," and by this title it is often mentioned in the 
records of colonial times. 



HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY. 1 <) 

LOGAN, AN INDIAN CHIEF. 

The valley exteudino: from Altoona to Tvroiic dn-ivcs its iiaiao 
from Lo«-an, an Indian chief of the Delaware "i)ersuasion," whose 
identity is sometimes ignorantly merged in that of tiie Min,s>-o war- 
rior who figured so prominently during an early ix'riod of our na- 
tional history. His cabin was located near a large spring, now with- 
in the limits of Tyrone. In an engagement with a hostile tribe on 
the Susquehanna, Logan, unfortunately,, had an eye shot out by an 
arrow. This disfigurement was considered by the Indians as a dis- 
grace, and he was deposed from his chieftainship. He then came 
with his family to Juniata valley. His friendship for the whites was 
sincere, and he rendered them many important services. After the 
revolution he was deprived of his lands (where Tyrone now stands) 
by some white men, who purchased them in due form, a proceeding- 
the Indian, in his ignorance, had omitted. He moved to the Indian 
town of Chinklacamoose (where Clearfield now stands), and died 
there, one of the best representatives of his race in the Juniata valley. 

THE SCOTCH SETTLE IN FRANKSTOWN AND CATHARINE TOWNSHIPS. 

A portion of Catharine and Frankstown townships constitute the 
Scotch and Canoe valleys, to the fertility of soil of which we have 
already referred. The elder inhabitants of this part of the county — 
the Moores, Irwins, Cra\vfords, Fraziers, Bells, Stewarts and others 
— were of Scotch descent. 

HOW AND WHEN TOWNSHIPS WERE FORMED. 

Allegheny was, prior to the formation of Blair county, in 1S4(), a 
township of Huntingdon county. As it then existed it joined Antis 
on the north. In 1852 Logan was formed out of Allegheny and An- 
tis ; hence Allegheny is now bounded on the north by Logan, on the 
west by Cambria county, on the south Ijy Blair and Juniata, and on 
the east by Frankstown. 

Antis, like Allegheny, was a part of Huntingdon county. It is 
said the name is that of a somewhat noted Tory, who resided here 
during the revolutionary war. In 1852 the southern ])ortion of the 
township was taken from Logan. As Antis now stands it is bounded 
on the north by Snyder, on the east by Tyrone, on the south l)y Lo- 
gan, and on the west by Caml^ria county. 

Blair came out from Huntingdon county, and surrounds Hollidays- 
burg, the county seat. It was originally taken from Allegheny and 
Frankstown, and, as now organized, is bounded on the north by Al- 



'20 



HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND I5LAIR COUNTY. 



FOE THE FI^^EST 



-^ \| _J 



V 



OTOGRSPHS^ 



JOHN DAILY'S. 

1311 Eleventh Avenue, Altoona. 



— DKALEU IN — 



KRTISTS' MITERmLS, FRAMES, CHROMOS, &c, 

AT CITY PRICES. GIVE HIM A CALL. 

ilS=-FUAME.S MADE TO OUDER.-^H 



TEMPLE OF FASHION. 



G. E. ORMES, 

RBER\HAIRDRESSE} 

Corner 8th A\'enue and 17th Street. 



[)UY SHAMPOO. IIAIPv OILS. POMADES, DYES, ETC. 
GRIFFIX'S MOUSTACHE SOLPTIOX. 



MODERATE PRICES— GOOD WORK— COURTEOUS 
TREATMENT EXTENDED TO ALL. 




SINKING SPRING ARCH, NEAR TYRONE. 



HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY. 21 

k'<j-li('iiy and Fraiikstown, on tlic cast by Frankstown and Taylor, on 
the sonth )»y Freedom., and on tlie west ))y Alle.ti'hony. 

Catharine was part of Morris in Hnntin.u'don connty, and becanio 
t\ townslii}) in 1846 by the oriianization of IMair connty. It is 
IxHinded on the north and cast l)y Hunting-don connty, on tlie south 
})y AVoodberry, and on the west by Frank.stown and Tyrone. 

Frankstown was a township of Hunting-don county until tlie for- 
mation of Blair county in 184(). Some chang-es have since l)een 
made in its boundaries, l)ut none of any imi)ortance. As it now 
stands it is ))oundcd on the north by Tyrone and Catharine, on the 
oa.st by Woodberry and Huston, on the soutli liy Tavlor, and on the 
■west by Blair, Allegheny and Logan. 

Freedom orig-inally belong-ed to Bedford county, and as part of 
Greenfield first in 1847. Juniata was fornu'd out of Grcenlicld, and, 
in 1857 Freedom was created out of Juniata. Freedom has Green- 
field on the south, Juniata on the west, Blair on the north, and Tav- 
lor on the east. 

Greenfield, an old township of B(>dford county, became part of 
Blair county in 184G. Since then both Freedom and Juniata have 
been taken from it. It is bounded on the south ))y Bedford county, 
on the west I'y Somerset county, on the north b\- Juniata and Free- 
dom, and on the east by Taylor. 

Huston was orig-inally a township of Bedford county. It is 
bounded on the south by Bedford county, on the east by Hunting-don 
county, on the north ))y Woodl)erry, and on the west I)y Fraid<stown. 

Juniata, taki-n from Greenfield, was org-anized as a to\vnship in 
1847. It has Cambria county on the west, Allegheny on the north. 
Freedom on the east, and Greenfield on the .south. 

Log-an was fornu-d in 18.50 out of Alleg-heny and Antis, and lies 
around Altoona. It is ))ounded on the north l)y Antis, on the east 
by Tyrone and Frankstown, on tlie south by Alleg-heny and on the 
west by Cambria county. 

North Woodlierry orig-inally l)elong-ed to Bedford county. It has 
Bedford county on the south, Taylor on the west, Huston on the 
north, and Hunting-don county on the east. 

Snyder came froiu Hunting-don county, and is liounded on the 
north liy Centre county, on the east by Hunting-don county, on the 
south l)y Antis, and on the west by Cambria county. It has within 
it the l)orouG'h of Tvrone. 



22 HISTORY or ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY. 

Taylor was formed in 1855 out of Xorth Woodljcrry and Huston, 
It has Bedford county on the south, Greenfield, Freedom and Blair 
on the west, Frankstown on the north, and Xorth Woodl)erry on the 
east. 

Tyrone was an old township of Huntingdon county, until incor- 
porated into Blair county in 1846. It has Logan and Antis on the 
west, Snyder on the north, Catharine on the east, and Frankstown 
on the south. 

Woodberry came from Huntingdon county, and has within it the 
town of Williamsburg. It is l)ounded on the south by Huston, west 
by Frankstown, north l)y Catharine and on the east by Huntingdon 
county. 

To recapitulate — fifteen townships in all — Allegheny, Antis, lilair 
Catharine, Frankstown, Snyder, Tyrone and Woodberry originally 
from Huntingdon cpunty ; Greenfield, Huston and Xorth Woodberry 
from Bedford county; and Freedom, Juniata, Logan and Taylor were 
formed since the organizatidii of Blair county in 1840. 

EDUCATIONAL HISTORY. 

We now give an epitome of the educational history of the county,, 
derived from Mr. John H. Stephens, the present efficient Superinten- 
dent of public schools of the county. The educational interests of 
Altoona are specificalh^ treated further on. 

In 1809 — no nuitter what nuiy have been the character of the 
schools up to that time — the first law Avas emicted tending toward a 
general system of public free schools, for the "education of the poor 
gratis." In 1834 the present law was passed, which has l)een modi- 
fied at various times. Two schools were estaljlished within the pres- 
ent limits of the county as early as 1190 — one at Williamsburg, the 
other lU'ar "Red Ore Bank," on Clover creek. Williamsburg was 
formerly called Ak(>town, and Jacob Ake owned the land upon which 
it was l)uilt. Believing that the education of the youth in his vicin- 
ity was a matter of importance, ^[r. Ake secured teachers and paid 
all the expenses out of his own purse. The system of instruction 
Mr. Ake established lasted fifteen years, when subscription schools 
began. Mr. James Martin taught until 1825. He was followed l)y 
Messrs. Cassel, Irvin, Opdyke and Spencer, and Miss Xancy Ander- 
clerson. The school on Clover creek was taught l)y John Bridenthal, 
in a house which stood on what is now the Hyle farm. John Hiltz 
taught a school in a private house in the vicinity of Leather Cracker 



HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY. 28 

(now Henrietta) aliout lt95. William Loose, Georii-e Glass and 



Ketring, were among the other teachers who taught in this vicinity 
(luring this period. Another school was established near .Etna Fur- 
nace, at an early day, which was in o[)erati(tn in 1T97. Tn ISOO tlie 
house was destroyed by fire, and another to take its place was located 
near Keller's church. James Martin is the only teacher of this school 
M'hose name has been handed down to posterity. About 1800 John 
Fisher taught a school in a private house near Sharpsburg, and in 
1802 a school house was built in the same vicinity known as the 
Hauscr school. Most of the schools were German. The first English 
school taught in the "Cove" was in 1800, by Mr. Roach, in a house 
which stood near Roaring Si)ring. Thomas Kinney taught a school 
near p]]izabeth Furnace in 1800. Another school was taught near 
Bell's Mills, in 1809. Alexander Kerr and Dudley Burnham were 
the leading teachers in this community. Sixty-seven years ago John 
Steele taught in a private house in Gaysport. Thomas Stearns, John 
Knox, Joshua Williamson, William Anderson, John Wcrtz, Roliert 
McNamara, Joseph Cadwalder, S. P. Henry and Ephrain Galbraith 
are among the teachers who taught in Frankstown. (At that time 
Frankstown included the present territory of Allegheny and Blair 
townships.) In 1812, James Langham taught a school near Black's 
]\[ills, Greenfield township. John Dodson also taught in this neigh- 
borhuod. John Swoveland built a school house at his own expense,, 
and donated it for school purposes. In 1815 a school house was built 
near Allegheny Furnace, called the Beales' school. John Gwin and 

Summervillc were among the teachers here. Within the present 

limits of Allegheny townshi[), the first school house with shingle roof 
was built (in Huncansville) in 1815. 

Under the act of 1854, creating the office of County Superinten- 
dent, Hugh A. Caldwell was the fii'st man to serve, Avith a salary of 
$400. L. H. Williams succeeded him in LSoC), and Geo. W. English 
filled the office in 185T. John Dean, now President Judge of this 
Judicial district, was elected in 185T, with salary raised to $(500. His 
successor was John Mitchell, who was appointed to fill the unexpired 
term of Mr. Dean. In 18G0 Mr. Mitchell was elected for the ensuing 
term. J. Ginter Counsman was elected in 18(')3, and was followed I)y 
Elexis Elder in 1804. In 18(55 the salary was raised to $1,000. Mr. 
Elder served until 18()0. In the same year John B. Holland was 
elected, and in 1875 John H. Stephens was made Superintendent. 

More strenuous eft'orts have been made during the present year 
(1880), than in any previous one, to free the schools from incompetent 



24 



HISTORY OF ALTOONA ANP BLAIR COUiNTY. 



GO TO 



-^4 



rwin'sDrugStore- 

Cornel' lltli AA'enue and iHth Street, 

ALTOONA, PA., 

— FOR — 

Pure Drugs, 

POWER'S AND WEIGHTMAN'S CHEMICALS, 

R. A. IIAXCE'S FLUID EXTRACTS, 
JXO. WYETH i-t ISRO.'S \VIXE.S AM) ELIXIRS, 

ALL STANDARD PATENT MEDICINES. 
PALMER'S HANDKERCHIEF EXTRACTS and INVISIBLE POWDER, 

BEANS INDIAN (H'KEN PERFUME, 
FANCY AND TOILET ARTICLES, 

SPONGES, BRUSHES, PERFUMERY. 
TOBACCO, CIGARS, SNUFFS, &c. 

«S=- Prescriptions carefully compouiuled with accuracy ami dispatch, at all 
liours of the day or night. Business hours from (J a. m. until II p. m. Open on 
Sunday for ihe sale of necessary medicines. 



ALTOONA T STORE, 

Moss MOSER & Co., Proprs. 

Corner Gtli A\'eniie cUid Tth Street. 



IX ADDITIOX TO A LARGE AND VARIED STOCK OK 

Tine Teas, Coffees and Spices, 

WE KEEr A OENEItAL AND WELL ASSORTED STOCK OF 

Groceries, Flour, Feed una. Notions. 
ALTOONA W STORE, 

Corner Sixth Avenue and Seventh Street. 



HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIH COUNTY. 25 

toaehin-s aiul to keep out of tlie profession young- and inexperienced 
ones until they make more tlioroug-h preparation before entering upon 
so important a work. Tlie standard has been raised so as to exclude a 
number of teachers who belong to that class which serves no other 
liurpose than to check the wheels of progress. This, in connection 
with what directors are doing in exercising from year to year greater 
care in selecting teachers, seems, next to good teachers themselves, to 
be till' most efficient means for the improvement of the schools. 

Three new houses were erected during the year in Logan and one 
in Antis. All are substantial buildings, well adapted to the purpose 
for which they were intended. The directors of Tyrone borough 
placed in their building ap])aratus to heat the rooms by steam, which, 
in connection with otlier improvements made, delayed the opening of 
the schools so as to make it necessary to diminish the term. 

The County Institute was held in Hollidaysl)urg commencing De- 
cember 29 and closing January 2. It was the best attended institute 
ever held in the county, and in point of interest was i)ronounced fully 
equal to any heretofore held. The instructors and lecturers besides 
teachers of our own county, were Professors J. H. Shumaker of Cham- 
b<'rsl)urg; Carothers, of Shippensburg ; J. F. Davis, of Altoona ; P. 
H. Bridenbaugh, of Martins))urg, and Rev. Dr. B. B. Hamlin, of 
Altoona. 

The oldest academy in the county is located at Williamsburg. In 
184*7 the house was built by a joint stock company. A charter was. 
granted in 1851. Rev. John White was the first teacher. 

The Juniata Collegiate Institute, (formerly the Franklin High 
School,) located at Martinsburg, was comi)leted in 18(30. It was built 
by joint stock subscriptions, at a cost of $8,000. In ISGT the Luth- 
eran Synod bought it for $3,000. It was afterwards sold to J. G. 
Herbst, who, after a short ownership, sold it to Prof. Lucian Cort for 
$5,000. While owned by Mr. Cort, there was an addition built to 
the main building, which cost $8,000. In 18V5 Henry Bridenbaugh 
bought it for $10,100. It is now in 'successful operation under the 
])rincipalship of Prof. S. R. Bridenbaugh. Professors Dickerson and 
Osborne were the first teachers. Their successors were Messrs. Wil- 
lard, Hughes, Hassler, Schwartz, Cort and S. R. Bridenbaugh. 

The Hollidaysburg Female Seminary (an illustration of which we 
print elsewhere,) was chartered in 18()(). The building was completed 
in 18(i9. It cost about $15,000 and was erected by a joint stock com- 
pany. From the time of its opening in 1869 to September 12, 1811, 



26 HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY. 

Rev. Joseph Waugh was the principal. From the latter date up to 
the present time, Prof. W. P. Hussey is its efficient principal. 

Tipton Seminary, located at Bell's Mills, was built ))y General 13- 
F. Bell, in 1866. Prof. Orr Lossiny first took charge of the school; 
he was followed by Rol)ert Fulton and J. A, Stewart. The Iniilding 
has not been used for school purposes for several years. 

A select .school has l)een in successful operation in Hollidaysl)uro- 
for several years, under the principalship of Prof. J. A. Stewart. 

DESCRIPTION OF NEW COURT HOUSE DEDICATION EXERCISES, ETC. 

On April 29, 1875, the old court house in Hollidaysburg was pre- 
sented by the grand inquest of the county in the following language: 
"The Grand Inquest, inquiring in and for the County of Blair, in 
April session, 1875, do make the following presentment: That we 
find the present court house is inadequate and unfit for the accomo- 
dation of the courts and the officers of said county, and especially for 
the deliberations of the grand jury, as well as unsafe for the keeping 
of the records of said county ; we, therefore, recommend the erection 
of a now court house for the reception and safe-keeping of the records, 
as may be necessary for the projier use of said county." 

After this presentment, Messrs. David Aurandt, John Clark and 
Ale.x. Carothers, who at that time constituted the board of county 
commissioners, decided to erect a new building, and entered into a 
contract with Andrew Myers to superintend the removal of the old 
court house and jail on May 26, 1875. The contract for making the 
excavations for the foundation walls was made with Michael Walls, 
who died while the work was in progress. On August 11, 1875, the 
commissioners, having previously adopted a plan, designed by David 
S. Gendell, of Philadelphia, and advertised for proposals, received 
twenty-three bids, varying from $103,700 to $168,000. The lowest 
bidder was John Schreiner, of Pittsl)urg, and to him was awarded 
the contract. He did the work well. 

The building is erected upon a nearly level terrace — terrace sur- 
rounded ))y low stone walls, provided with Avrouglit iron railing — 
two main entrances by broad flights of steps — terrace has broad 
landings and foot walks laid with large flag stones. The building is 
in the modern Gothic style of arcliitecture, with the Italian treatment. 
The exterior walls are of stone — facing, cut stone. The color of the 
main ))ody of the work is a Avarm, rich, sunny buff — arch stones, 
string courses, cornices and otlier ornamental i>ortions of the work, are 



mSTOIlT OF ALTOONA AND 15LA1R COUNTY. 27 

f)f a 1)c:iiit it'll! deep, peach blouiii color, present iiiu' a stroii.u- yet at;Teea- 
l)le contrast. Inside the exterior stone walls are 4?,- inch hrick walls, 
erected separately from the stone work, to wliich they are tied with 
wron^H'ht iron anchors. Tliere is an air space of U inches between 
the stone walls and the brick lininii' to secure freedom from dampness. 
Tlie ]ilan of the structure Ixnirs some resemblance to the letter "T." 
In width it is 70 feet on the front ; 83^ feet on the rear, and 55-| foot 
across the narrow part — total depth 132^ feet. The front portion of the 
l)uilding- is two stories in height, surmounted with a hisih, slated roof. 
The rear part is three stories high, the upper story being contained 
within a Mansard roof, with ornamontal gabled stone dormers. At 
<>ach front angle of the l)uilding is a large s(piare tower, surmouiitod 
hx an ornamental slate covered ruof, the total height from the ground 
to the top of the roof being 83 feet without the iron cresting. On the 
front, between the two towers, are three entrance doorways, facing 
Allegheny street. These are approached from the terrace l)y a flight 
■of steps 84 feet long, with a liroad landing at the top, which forms the 
floor of an arcade. This arcade consists of three arches carri<>d by 
-coupled columns. It is 27^ feet high from the pavement of the ter- 
race to the top of the weathering of the cornice. Above the arcade 
are three traceried windows opening into the court-room. Over these 
is the front galile of the main roof. The height of this gable from the 
terrace to the to}) of the stone finial surmounting it is 77 feet. lu 
this gable is a niche in which is placed a statue of Justice 8 feet 
high, executed in Amherst stone. In the rear liuilding is another 
large entrance or doorway facing Union street. The main or clock 
tower is at the intersection of the front and rear buildings, a massive 
structure 19 feet square, in which is one of Meneely k Co.'s best 
bells, sweet in tone, and weighing 2,550 pounds. Above the belfry 
is the clock, the dials of which are of thick heavy ground glass 99 
inches in diameter. Above the gables the tower is surmounted by a 
short spire or high roof, all of stone to the finial, and this spire is 
surmounted by ornamental iron work. On the rear of the entire 
huilding is a small turret 6^ feet square and 80 feet high, intended to 
carry off the vitiated air from the rooms of the building. 

The four entrance doorways are provided with handsomely pan- 
elled walnut doors. The three doors facing Union street open into a 
vestibule 12x38 feet. At each end of this vestibule are stairways to 
•the second story. The tiling for \hv floors was imported and furn- 
ished by Sharpless k Watts, of Philadeli)liia. 

Opening from the corridors are the various county offices. Com- 



28 



HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY. 



LOOK! 





Cor. 8tli Avenue and lltli Street, 



ALTOONA, PA. 



YOU CAN GET DRY GOODS, 
YOU CAN GET NOTIONS, 
YOU CAN GET GROCERIES, 
YOU CAN GET QUEENSWARE, 
YOU CAN GET CARPETS AND OIL CLOTHS, 
YOU CAN GET WOOD AND WILLOW-WARE, 
YOU CAN GET FLOUR AND FEED, 
YOU CAN GET COUNTRY PRODUCE, 
YOU CAN GET ANYTHING KEPT IX A FIRST- 
CLASS STORE AND ALWAYS AT THE VERY 
LOWEST PRICES. 

Please Call and be Convinced 



OF THE BARGAINS WE WILL GIVE YOU. 



HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY. 29 

niissioiKTs' room, 19 feet 5 inches hy 24 fret, witli a connecting- iM'ivatc 
room 12 feet liy 1:> feet 4 inches; TreasurerV office, 25 feet l)y 19 
feet 5 inches; Sheriff's ottice, 14 feet by 19 feet 5 inches; Protliono- 
tary's office (divided into two parts), is inchuled in a space of 20 feet 
by 50 feet; Recorder's office, 20 feet by 21 feet, etc. Tlie last two 
offices mentioned are fire proof, so that the records he safe. All offices 
are neatly fitted up with necessary furniture and conveniences. In 
addition to the offices there is an arbitration room on the first floor 
19 by 35 feet. The stairways an- all iron except the hand rail 

The court room is in the second story, approached throujih three 
vestibules, two front and one rear. Access to the court room is had 
l)y four i)airs of larue foldin,i>- doors. The Judg^es' bench is placed in 
a recess f(n-med under the inain tower. This recess has a pannelled 
Gothic arched ceilin,u- twenty-five feet high and finely finished. The 
ceiling of the court room is pannelled, executed in ash and yellow 
pine. The benches for the audience, the bar railing, the Judges' 
chairs and bench. Clerk's desk, the jury and witness boxes, the tables 
and other furniture of the court room, also the fittings of the various 
offices, are all nuide of ash, designed to correspond with the architec- 
ture of the 1)uilding. The acoustic properties of the courtroom are 
excellent. 

In the rear l)uilding on the second floor are a conversation room 
15^ by 29 feet; a retiring room for the Judges; rooms for the grand 
and petit juries; and separate rooms for male and female witnesses — 
all of good size and fifteen feet high in the clear. The third story is 
twelve feet high in the clear and contains several large rooms, to be 
used for storage, etc. Rooms containing water closets are conveni- 
ently located in several parts of the building. The drainage is excel- 
lent. The walls of all the halls and rooms are wainscotted. The 
carpenter work was well executed Idv Mr. George A. Cochran, of 
Pittsburg. Mr. G. A. Gibson, of Philadelphia, did the glazing of the 
windows with stained glass of pleasing design, in cathedral tints, and 
set in lead work. 

The walls of all vestibules, halls, corridors and rooms, and all plas- 
tered ceilings throughout, are painted in colors. Although high 
colors are employed, the general effect is that of a (piiet and pcjrfect 
harmony. Messrs. Carlisle <fc Joy, of Philadelphia, did this work, 
which is highly creditable to these artists. 

There is a cellar under the entire building, with the exception of the 
front vestibules, thoroughly lighted and ventilated by large windows. 

The buildinff is heated bv steam. As the heated air is delivered 



30 HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY. 

into the rooniH through the warm ah' registers, the cold and vitiated 
air is drawn off througli ventihiting registers phieed next the floor. 
These open into flues, which connect with ducts, passing under the 
cellar floor, all of which discharge into a ventilating shaft. Thus, 
while fresh air is admitted through the warm air registers, the viti- 
ated air is carried off through others. 

The gas fixtures are made from original designs by Messrs. Cor- 
nelius & Co., of Philadelphia, and are in character with the building 
— very rich and uni(pie in design. 

On May 3, 1877, the following order of court was issued: 
" And now. May 3, 1877, in open court, on the second Monday of 
April term, it appearing to the Court that the new court house, the 
erection of which was commenced at April term, 1875, will be com- 
pleted and ready for occupancy on July 2, 1877, at Argument Court, 
and that, in view of the magnitude of the undertaking, the character 
of the building, its importance to the county in view of its increasing 
population, and its largely increasing judicial business, the completion 
of so important a i)ublic work should be marked by proper notice; 
therefore, it is ordered that A. S. Landis, Samuel Calvin, Thaddeus 
Banks, B. L. Hewit, D. J. Js\.ff, H. H. Herr and A. A. Stephens, 
esqs.,be a committee to prepare a suitable programme of ceremonies 
and make such arrangements for dedicating the building to puljlic use, 
on the day aforesaid, as may be deemed i)roper. 
"By the Court. 

"John Dean, President Judge.'''' 

Agreeljly to this order the committee api^ointcd ]»repared the fol- 
lowing order of exercises : 

Court called at 11 a. m. (adjourned session.) 

Adjournment of court on motion of Hon. S. S. Blair. 

Meeting of the Bars of the District, organized with Hon. Thad. Banks, 

President. 

Prayer by Rev. D. H. Barron. 

Music. 

Historical address by Hon. John Dean, I'rosident Judge. 

Music. 

Address by Hon. Samuel Calvin. 

Address by Hon. Jeremiah S. Black. 

Music. 

Addresses by Col. R. A. McMurtrie, and others. 

Court convened at 11 o'clock. Hon. S. S. Blair moved the adjourn- 
ment of court. Immediately after its adjournment, Mr. Landis, chair- 
man of till' committee of arrangements, stated that the following 
officers had Ijcen selected for the occasion : 

President, Hon. Thad. Banks ; Vice Presidents, Gen. John A^'il- 
liamson, of Huntingdon, and John Fenlon, esq., of Cambria. 



IIISTOHY OV ALTdONA AND ULAIR (^OUN'TV. 31 

After they hiul taken tLrir i.iaccs, Mr. Laiidi- addro-cd the ann- 
iiiittee of arran.uvincuts, coii.uTatulatiii.u' lliriii upon tlir happy occa- 
.sion \vlii(di had asscinhlcd them to^clhtT. 

Jlon. Thiul. IJaidvs, the rhainnaii, then made a few remarks, returu- 
iii.y thanks for the position assi,i>-neil luni. and niakin.u- comiiiimentary 
alhisioiis to Judt-vs Bhiek, Tayhir and Dean. 

After prayer by Rev. D. II. Uarron, pastor of the Treslnteriau 
c'hureli, and music by the l)and. tlie ehairmaii introduced Judg-o Dean, 
whoso remarks we would like to publish in fidl. Unal)le to do so, (»u 
•account of our space ))ein<;- limited, we present a lirief synopsis of its 
principal historical points, consolin.u' ourselves with the reflection that 
thousands who were unal)le to hear it enjoyed the i)leasure of reading' 
it, as it was pul)lished in full after its delivery. 

In his introductory Judg-e Dean referr<"d to tlie i)rog-ress nuule 
toward the enforcement of the perfect law : "Do unto others as you 
would have others do unto you," — so marked within the compara- 
tively short period of the last fifty years, as to l)e a matter of exulta- 
tion to every true lawyer. 

In referring- to the first two Judges of ]51air county (Black and 
Taylor), Judge Dean said: "The moral sensil)ilities of these two 
distinguished Judg-es were in no wise dull. Keenly alive to the 
wrong-s of suitors, filled with a perfect hatred of all unfairness, over- 
reaching- and all unconscionable conduct, possessing great learning- 
and ability, under their eyes the judgments of the Court were entered." 

" At the time of the erection of Blair county," continued the speak- 
er, "Judg-e Black was the President Judge of the Sixteenth Judicial 
District, composed of the counties of Franklin, Bedford, Somerset and 
Fulton, and in the act erecting- the county it was provided that it 
.should form inirt of this district. Thus Judg-e Black became our first 
Judg-e. The orig-inal act (see P. L. 1846, p. 64) provided that the 
first court should be held on the fourth Monday of J\dy, 1 846. From 
tliat tinu> up to and including March term, 1849, Judge Black pre- 
•sided. By this act the terms of the com-ts were to commence on the 
fourth Mondays of March, July, October and Dec(Miil)er, but a supple- 
ment (see P. L. 1846, p. 398) directed that after the first court the 
summer session should commence the second Monday of June. Judg-e 
Black held twelve terms of the court, when the I.egi.-lature, by the 
act of April 5, 1849, making- a g-eneral reorganization of the judicial 
districts of the State, declared the counties of Huntingdon, Blair and 
Cambria should compose the Twenty-fourth Jiulicial District, thus 
detachinu- this countv from the Si.xteenth, Judge Black's district. 



32 



HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY. 




REPilRED 



To show you the largest stock of Dry Gootls, Carpets, Notions and Fancy Goods 
in Blair county. We are constantly receiving new goods in all departments. Our 
Dry Goods Department is complete at all times in all standard makes of Muslins, 
Ginghams, Calicoes, Tickings, antl we sell them all at the lowest possible price, 

DRESS GOODS DEPARTMENT. 

We make a specialty of this department and at all times you will be sure to tiud 
a complete assortment of fancy and plain dress fabrics. We would call special 
attention to our Black and Colored Cashmeres and would invite comparison with 
samples from New York or Philadelphia. Our silks are always up to the standard : 
purchasers will find it to their advantage to examine our Silks. Samples sent when 
requested. 

TRIMMING DEPARTMENT. 

We would ask an inspection of this department. We are contident that we can 
show you the largest and finest stock of Black and Colored Silk Velvets, Buttons. 
Braids, and all the latest Novelties in Trimming. We are always up to the times 
in this department. 

NOTIONS AND FANCY GOODS DEPART- 
MENT. 

You will be sure to find a large stock in this department. We make a specialty 
of these goods ; buying in large quantities we can sell them more reasonably than 
any other house in the fancy goods business. A full stock of Laces, Ribbons, Ties, 
Edgings, Hamlmrg Embroidery, Nainsook and Swiss Trimming. 

CARPET DEPARTMENT. 

We occupy all the second floor of our building tor this department and can show 
you the largest line of Carpets in Central Pennsylvania. We buy in large quanti- 
ties and sell them raiDidly at a slight advance for cash. Yovi are cordiallj- invited 
to call and examine our stock and learn our prices. We always keep up to the 
times at "No. 1317," and we shall spare no pains to make it to your advantage to 
deal with us as you will always find the latest goods in the market and at Eastern 
prices. 

Wm. Murray, 

-^N0,fl317^ 

Eleventh Avenue, Altoona, Pa. 



HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND lU.AlR ColNTV. 33 

iPIiTc follows ii hi,ulily coiiiidinu'iitary allusion to Jiidiic IMack.] As 
we have seen, oil April 5, 1849, the I'wciit y-fourtli District was cre- 
ated, (icoriic 'raylor, tlicii a yoim.u', '""t able lawyer of the lliiiitinu'- 
(lon har, was ai»i>oint('(l l)y ( Jovcriior .lolmstoii I'rcsidciit -Iiid.iic. He 
lu'ld liis first court in this c-ounty on the second Monday of July, 1849^ 
the summer term lia\'in,<>- been ag-ain ehanu'cil back from June to July. 
Under this appointment he contiiitu'd to hohl court until ()ct(jber 
term, 1851. In the meantime the amendment to the Constitution 
had been adopted (callcMl amendment of 1850) which provichnl for the 
election of the Jud^-es of all the courts ; that their terms should lie 
ten years ; that the terms of all Judg'es then in ottice should exi)ire 
on the first Monday of December followin,<;' the ado]ition of the amend- 
ment, and that tlie terms of those elected should commence at the 
same time. The lirst election after the a(h»i)tioii of the amendment 
was held in 1851, so that Judi>-e Taylor's commission by appointment 
expired on the first Monday of December, 1851 ; but at the election 
previous, having- been nominated by the Whi^u's, \w was elected for 
the term of ten years. His opponent was the Democratic candidate, 
Thomas P. Campbell, of Hunting-don. Under this^election he served 
his term of ten years, and at the end of it was re-elected without op- 
position. At the end of this term he ran as an Indeix'inh'Ut candi- 
(hite ))Ui failed of an election. He died of paralysis in November, 
18T1, in the fifty-ninth year of his ag'e. [Following- a eiilog-y upon 
Judg-e Taylor, Judge Dean continues:] I was elected Judge in 18*11. 
The first Associate Judg-es of the court were George K. McFarlane 
and Daniel McConnell, Democrats, appointed by Governor Shunk, 
June 8, 184fi, to hold until the next session of the Senate of Pennsyl- 
vania. Judge McFarlane was re-appointed and confirmed by the 
Senate on March 11, 184T. The other vacancy was filled by the ap- 
pointment of Davis Prooke on January 28, 1848. James (iardner 
was api)ointed by the Governor April 10, 18'51, to fill the vacancy 
occasioned by the resig-nation of Judg-e Geo. R. McFarlane and was 
elected for the full term the following- Octolier, with Ijcvi Slingluff, of 
Martinslnirg. l^oth resigned before the exi)iratioii of their terms. 
These are about the only examples (»f resignation l)y Judges within 
my knowledge. James D. Rea, Democi-at, was appointeil to fdl the 
vacancv occasioned by the rt^signation of Judg-e Gardner on July 25, 
1854, and James L. (Jwin to fill that occasioned by resig-nation of 
Judg-e Sling-luff in March, 1855. Judg-es Rea and (Jwin held office 
until October, 1855, when David Caldwell and John Pi-nn Jones 
were elected each for the full term of five years; in 1860 Adam Moses 



34 HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUXTY. 

and Samuel Dean were elected ; in 1865 Judge Moses was re-electecJ 
with B. F. Rose, of Altoona ; in 1870 George W. Patton and Joseph 
Irwin were eh^cted ; and in 18T5 the. present associates, Charles J. 
Mann and Samuel Smith. AVith the exceptions of Judges McFarlane, 
McConnell and Brooke, appointed by Governor Shunk, and Judge 
Rea, appointed ]\v Governor Ijigler, all these officers have been Whigs 
or Repul)licans. "Whatever may have been their politics, it has been 
the united testimony of the bar that, one and all, they performed 
faithfully and impartially their duty. Of those dead, honor and re- 
spect followed them during life ; of those living, no blot touches their 
integrity. They have the respect and good wishes of a profession 
which learns, as no other one does, to appreciate unblemished official 
life. 

" From the fourth :Monday, July 21, 1846, until April 30, 187T, the 
last term of court, exactly two hundred lawyers have been sworn to 
the bar. Of these only seventy-two have l)een resident within the 
county. On the tirst day of tlic court, July 27, 1846. there were 
forty-eight admissions, commniriug with Hon. Moses Canan, of 
Cambria countv, and endinu' witli Andrew G., afterward Governor 
Curtin, of Centr<' county ; and during that term of the court there 
were fifty-one admissions. Out of these, however, there were only 
twelve resident of the county and they all in Hollidaysburg — Calvin,. 
Cline, J. M. Bell, Kemp, Coffey, Brotherline, Lowrie, T. Banks, Cress- 
well, Blair, McMurtrie and Hotius. At October term following, Robt. 
Wallace, father of the present United States Senator Wallace, was 
admitted and 0])en('d an office. ]Major Williams was admitted the 
Deci'mber following. Up to March 21, 1855, when I was admittcM.l, 
nearly nine years after the organization of the county, only twenty- 
two resident practicing lawyers had been sworn to tlie bar, and of 
these eight had retired, from practice or reuutved from the county,, 
leaving fourteen. There are now in active practice forty-one. Among 
the names of those admitted from other counties who either were, or 
afterwards l»ecame promineiit in the law or in politics, I notice Eph- 
raim Banks, father of our chairman. Auditor General of the State; 
Judge Alexander King, Judge Kimmell, John G. Miles, Senator 
Scott, Judge Hale, Governor Curtin, Francis Jordan, Charles Shaler, 
R. L. Johnson, John Cessna, Ross Forward, Judge Pershing, Gen. 
John Williamson, Judge Hall, Jud<>'e John P. Blair, Harry White, 
Samuel T. Brown, Charles J. Faulkner and Randolph Tucker, of 
Virginia, Thadeus Stei)hens, Judge White, Jiulge J^ettis, Hon. R. 
M. Speer, Judge Thatcher, John M. Bailey,. Thomas M. ^Marshall, 



HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND I5LAIK COUNTY. 35 

Joshua. F. Cox, and a. luunhcr of others. Aiuoiii;' tliciii was John 
Bhxlji'ctt, of Bt'dford, noted for liis acciuirenients in ^-eneral literature, 
his i)oeti('aI tastes, and wit. Tiiere was also admitted durin.ii- the first 
year of the court a lawyer noted in the whole ])rofession aloui;- the 
Juniuta Valley, Mr. Isaac Fisher, of Huntin^-don. 

" Of the cases tried and suits entered in the thirty yeai's since the 
oru'anization of the county, when compared with the popidation, the 
a^U'gre^n'ate seems enormous. In the Common Pleas, includin,*;- judg-- 
ment hills, appeals and certioraris, there have ])een entered 89,205 
eases; in the (Quarter Sessions, 2,(iI9 cases; in the Oyer and Ter- 
miner, \)[) cases, making- altog-ether 41,928. In this are not included 
the lai'g'e nund)er of estates partitioned or appraised in the Orphans' 
Court, nor the trust accounts of assignees and other trustees, settled 
in the Common Pleas. There have passed through tlu^ Orpiians' 
Court, for confirmation and allowance, l,*7tO accounts of executors 
and administrators, many of them involving protracted litigation I)e- 
fove auditors and on exceptions to auditors' reports. 

"Judge Black took forty-four verdicts. Judge Taylor eight hun- 
dred and seventx'-eight ; and there liave been taken since four hundred 
and ninety-five. Of course this, as every lawyer knows, does not 
show" the extent of actual work done in the trial of causes ; for many 
of them, after hours, and sometimes days of trial, "go off," either hy 
non suit or settlement of the parties. 

" Bv the act of Assembly erecting the county, all uinh'termined 
issues between parties resident on the territory out of which it was 
formed, were to be transferred to the records of the new county. 

"The first suit in the Common Pleas is one to Xo. 43, August 
term, 1826, of Huntingdon county, transferred. It is an action of 
debt by John Wilson and Rachael Buchanan, executors of Dr. John 
E. Buchanan, deceased, against William Smith, executor of John 
Steel, deceased. Wiieii it was brought, in 1826, Judges Burnside, 
Adams and McCune were on the bench in Huntingdon county. Smith 
is marked attorney for plaintift" and Allison and Steel for defendant. 
As a))penrs from tlie record, more than seventy continuances were 
marked during tlie twenty years it stood on the Huntingdon county 
docket, and five after its transfer to Blair. 

"The first case In'ought originally in this county, is a libel for 
divorce; subpa-na issued June 23, 1840, by Mary Armstrong against 
her husband, John Armstrong. T. J. Coffey is attorney for libellant. 
John Cox, e.<q., was appointe(I f-»)uimissioner to take testimony, and 



36 HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY. 

HARRY SZINCK, 



— DEALEU IN 



Groceries, Flou Rand Feed, 

Corner Gth A^'elllle and 8tli Street. 



THE VERY BEST GOODS AT LOWEST PRICES. 

E. S. MILLER, M. D, 

OFFICE : Corner Sixteenth Street and Eleventh 
AA^enne, Altoona, Pa. 

OFFICE IIOl'US : 7 to It a. m. 
1 to .} p. ni. 
to 8 p. 111. 

CONSULTATIONS IN ENGLISH OR GERMAN. 



THOMAS W. JACKSON, 

Attorney-at-Lav/, 

— AND — 

District Attorney, 

No. lOlU Twelfth Street, Altoona, Pa. 



D. F. BEEGLE, 

EAST SIDE JE\^^ELER, 

12th Street, bet. 8th and Dth Ax'enues. 



COMPLETE STOCK— BEST GOODS— LOWEST PRICES. 
REPAIRING PROMPTLY ATTENDED TO. 



HISTORY OI-" ALTCONA AM) HLAIll COl,\NTV. 37 

a di\-on'c was (Iccrccd tlicrcon liy Jiiduc Bhick, March 25, 1S47. Tlic 
.entire costs were $7. To. Divorces iiM\c hccoinc more costly since. 

" In the lirst year of the court (W;! cases were entt.'red in the Com- 
mon Picas, includin,n- orli)-inal writs, certioraris and appeals. In liS5(;, 
ten years later, 1, ()',)(); in ISIW;, ten years later, 1,1U(); in ISTC, ten 
years later, "2,717. Many of the cases inclinled in this last nund)er are 
judgments on Iniildinu' association honds; hut still, the natural in- 
crease in legal business, tlie last ten, has hecn much greater than in 
any i)receding ten years. 

[We cannot find room for tlie cases tried in the Sui)rcme Court, to 
^vhich Judge Dean makes reference.] 

"There have licen tried in the Oyer and Tei'niiner thirty cases of 
homicide. Of these eleven were found not guilty; three, Alexander 
Hutchinson, James Siiirley and David McKim, were found guilty of 
murder in the first degret-. Tlie lirst, Hutchinson, was tried in 1850. 
After sentence his friends induced the Legislature to interfere l)y at- 
tempting legislation to relieve him from the death penalty. Nothing 
<^flfective was done ; but the warrant for his execution was witldield 
until Governor Johnston, during whose administration he ^\•as con- 
victed, was out of office. Governor Bigler declined to issue it Ix'cause, 
as he alleged, it was a duty of his i)redecessor which he was not ))Ound 
to perform. Hutchinson remained in jail until 185o, when he escai)ed. 
*^ Shirley was tried at March term, 1853, for the murder of his A\ife, and 
executed in August of that year. McKim was tried at April term, 
1857, for the murder of Xorcross, and executed in July following. 
The other convictions in the Oyer and Terminer wei-e either of murder 
in the second degree or manslaughter. 

"There were two hearings on habeas corpus in the case of alleged 
fugitive slaves; one l)efore Judge McFarlane, in 1849, and one before 
Judge Moses, in March, 1862. In each case the detained persons 
were discharged. In 1855 a man named Parsons, from Virginia, who 
attempti'd to seize a colori'd man in Ga}-sport, on the claim that he \\-as 
a fugitive slave, was indicted for abduction. John Randolph Tucker 
and Charles J. Faulkner came here to defend him ; a true bill was 
found, l)ut a nolle 2^ros. was entered by the district attorney, Mr. 
Hammond. 

"There are quite a large num))er of cases, both civil and crinunal. 
a notice of which would be interesting to the lawyers, and many non- 
professional people, ])ut I cannot undertake to refer to them in a short 
address. Those mentioned will suggest the general nature and amount 
of litigation carried on in the several courts since its organization. 
4 



38 HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY. 

"The first district attornov -was Col. Cresswell, appointed b}' Gov- 
ernor Shunk. He was succeeded 1)\^ Mr. Hofius, appointed by Gov- 
ernor Jolinston, who filled the; office until 1851, when the office was 
(ilective. Mr. Kemp was elected Ijy the Whigs ; but his health failing 
soon after, George A. Coffey performed the duties of the office until' 
1854, when Essington Hammond was elected. At the expiration of 
his term, Mr. Hewit filled the office two terms ; then John H. Keatly 
almost two terms. He resigned the last year of the second term, and 
I was appointed to the vacancy until next election ; was then elected 
and served one term. Milton Alexander was then elected and served 
one t(n"m ; then James F. Milliken was elected. [Then the present 
district attorney, Thomas W. Jackson. — Ed.] 

" The office of prothonotary of Common Pleas, clerk of the Orphans' 
Court, Quarter Sessions and Oyer and Terminer, filled by the same 
officer, has not had many incumbents. First, Jeremiah Cunningham 
was appointed in June, 184G, to serve until the next December. At 
the October election of that year Joseph Smith was elected and served 
a term of three years ; then George W. Johnston a term of three years; 
then Hugh McNeal one term ; then Josejih Baldrige two terms, or 
six years ; then A. S. Morrow four terms, or twelve years ; then James 
P. Stewart, })resent officer, was elected. 

" The office of register of wills and recorder of deeds was first filled 
by appointment of John M. Gibbon}^ to hold until December, 184(i, 
or until his successor be qualified. At the election in Octolier of that 
year, Eph. Galbraith was the Whig candidate and Samuel Smith the 
Democratic. Galln-aith died the day of the election, before the votes- 
were nearly all polled. Smith claimed the office on the grounds that 
he had a majority of the votes cast for a living man, although a major- 
ity of the people voted for Galbraith. Judge Black declined to decide 
in his favor, and Gibbony held the office until the next election, when' 
L. H. Williams was elected. He held the office nine years ; was suc- 
ceeded by H. A. Caldwell, who held it for six years; and he by D. M. 
Jones, who held the office for nine years, when A. Lingenfelter was. 
elected. 

" The first sheriff" was Jeremiah Betts, ap})ointed by Governor 
Shunk. Then, follow him, in order, Samuel Royer, Thomas Reese,, 
William Reed, George Port, James Funk, Samuel McCainant, Martin 
Bechtel, John McKeage, Henry B. Huff, Alexander Bol)l), James M. 
Stiffler. 

" The territory in the original act, and (jver which the court had 
jurisdiction, emln-aced Greenfit'ld and North Woodlierry townships, of 



IIISTOIIY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY. :59 

Bedford ('(Minty ; Allc^i'hcny, Antis, Blair, Huston, Tvroiu' aiid Wood- 
berrv towiisliips, in Iliintinii'don county; also, that part of Morris 
towushii), in Iluiitin.ii'don county, west of a line run by William Reed, 
surveyor, to !)<■ called Catharine township. IIollidaysl)ur<^- and Mar- 
tinshur.L;- had already I)een iucor])orated as boroug'hs. The townshi|)s 
formed since the organization, are Juniata, out of Greenfield, in 184t ; 
Log-an, out of Allei>-heny and Antis, in 1850; Taylor, out of North 
Woodberry and Huston, in 1855; Freedom, out of Juniata, in 185V. 
Altoona was incorporated as a boroug-h in 1854, and came under a city 
charter in 1871. Tyrone became a borough in 1857; East Tyrone in 
1873; Newry in 187(). Eleven constables made returns the first day 
of the court, twenty-three now. 

''The original act refjuired the (lovernor to appoint three non-resi- 
dents of the county commissioners to run the county lines and fix the 
county seat. He ai)pointed Henry McBride, of Westmoreland, Gen. 
Orr, of Armstrong, and Judge Christy of Juniata counties, who fixed 
upon Hollidaysburg as the county seat. 

"The first court was held in an old Methodist church, which stood 
where the present Methodist church now stands. Mahonv's stone 
house, along side, was rented at the rate of fifty dollars per year and 
used as a jail. A contract was made in 1840, with Daniel K. Kearney, 
then a prominent ])uilder, for the erection of the court house and jail 
on the ground covered by the present court house. The contract price 
for l)oth was $11,998.50, but because of changes and extras, the amount 
l)aid was $14,576.18. Both were finished and occupied by June term, 
1 847. As you are all aware, both, y(>ars ago, became entirely insufficient 
for the wants of the county. A new jail was erected at an expense of 
over $100,000 in 1868 and 1869, and the old court house lasted but a few 
years longer. And although twenty-five or thirty years is not an old 
age for public Iniildings, yet a glance at the growth of the county in 
population and wealth in that period reveals, at once, the causes which 
demanded their destruction and the erection of new and better. The 
nu'n who designed these buildings did not foresee the rapid growth of 
the new county in those jiarticnlars which are jji-olific of litigation. 

"In 1846 only 2,187 votes were polled, indicating (at five to th(^ 
voter) a i)opulation of about 10,000. In 1856 th(M-e were polled 3,520 
votes, showing a population of 18,000. In 1866 there were polled 
6,288 votes, pointing to a i)opulation of 32,000. In 1876 there were 
polled 8,720 votes, indicating a population of 44,000, four times greater 
than wheii the county was organized. In the meantime the a.ssessed 
valuation of property far more than doubled; its cash value has doubt- 
less ti-ebled. 



40 IILsTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY. 

FRANKLIN HOUSE, 

Seventeenth Street, Altooiia. 

AL. BURG O ON, Proprietor. 



iood acc-oiiunodatioiis for giu'sts. Aiiiiile stabling for horses. The Bar is 
supplied with tlie liest and choicest brands of liquors m the market. 



JOHK M. PETERS. 



— IfEALEIl IN 



PROVISIONS. BEEF, 

MUTTON, LAMB, 

PORK, POULTRY, HSM, SllUSIlGE, 

TRIPE, PI«'S FEET, LIVER, LARD, MINCE MEAT, Etc. 



Eighth A\-eniie, bet. 8tli and flth Streets. 



Ooods delivered to any part of the city without additional cost. 

Orders promptly flllecl and courteous treatment extended to a'.b 



GEORGE A. STREIT, 



DEALER IN AND MAXITACTUKKK OF 



iMiTiiTioN French Cjilf md Kip Skins, 

Moroccos, Linings, Roans. Etc. 

All kinds of Shoe Manufacturin;; (Joods, to^'ether with all other articles periainlng 

to the Shoe Finding Business. ;e®"Cash paid lor Hides. Skins and Wool. 

Orders by mail pi-oniptly attended to. 

HIT Fittli A^'eni.i.e,, neai- Twelfth Street. 



HISTOIIY OP ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY. 41 

"Tlio cost of tilt' i)ri'st'nt Ituildinu-, witli all its surniimdinfi-s uiid 
conveniences, is very close to $131), 000. It cannot exceed $140,000. 
Onr records, whose ]ireservatinn is wortli millions of dollars to the 
people, are now sectireil in lire-i)roof ottiees and vaults. For the ses- 
sions of tlie courts, for the deliberation of juries and for the detention 
of witnesses, we have rooms spacious, comfortable and convenient. 
Lonu- after we art* g-one this buildin,i>-. in all its strength and l)eauty, 
will stand as a monument to tlie ]>ublic sjtirit and enterprise of the 
people who authorized it, as well as an intlisputable evidence of the 
architectural talents of him who designed it, antl the mechanical skill 
of those who carried the design into execution. 

" We have met to-day, as lawyers and citizens, to dedicate it to its 
ai)i)i'opriate uses — the ailministration of justice between nuui antl man. 
What we noiv say or do, will soon pass from the memory ; l)ut what we 
say or do within these walls hereafter, will nt)t be forgotten ; the fruits 
of our words antl conduct will a])pear in ineflfaceable lines upon the 
records of our ctiurts ; will be cut deep in the hearts and lives of those 
who shall here appear to have rights determined and wrongs redressed. 
May we so perform our jiart that we shall reflect liontjr upon an hon- 
orable profession ; and so perform it, too, that, when called to appear 
in a Higher Court, there to be inquired of, we shall be ready to answer, 
although with awe, A'et not with fear: 'What Thou gavest us to do, 
with the light we had, we did as best we could.'" 

[In most eloquent terms Jutlo-e Dean closed his address, the 
])rincipal historical points of which we have given, omitting matter 
which, to many, would prove to be even more interesting. Want of 
space, the reason previously assigned, is our exeuse for not ]iublishing 
the discourse in its entirety. We will take this oci^asion to say that, 
however ably his predecessors. Judges Black and Taylor, may have 
administered justict>, Judge Dean has sustained, and still sustains, the 
reputation of the Ixnich of Blair county for profound learning, sound 
judgment, legal talent and executive ability.] 

Hon. Samuel Calvin was next introduced. He said that he was 
assigned a place on the programme l)ecause he was the oldest member 
of the bar, but he wanted the latlit>s to bear in mind the difference 
bt^tween the oldest member of tlic liar and tdtlestman practicing at the 
bar. His address was full of reminiscences, many of them of a highly 
humorous character — concerning Judges Taylor, Burn.side and M'Cune 
(associate), and the older members of the bar. 

The Hon. Jeremiah S. Black was next introduced, who stated that 
he came there upon the condition that he Avas not to make a speech, 



42 HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIU COUNTY. 

but st-'cing- his luinu' (»ii the pro<iranime as one of the s[teakei's without 
his previous kuo\vleilii'e or authority, it was absohitely necessary that 
he sliould appear, not to make a speech, but for the purpose of apolo- 
giziiiii,- for not making one! The reason he had assigned for not making 
a speech was that Blair county might make and ought to make orations 
for herself. [Here Judge Black pointed out and commented upon the 
fluency of Blair county lawyers.] They told him he should come for- 
ward and make a few remarks. Well, he said he would do that — 
"he Vvould take his position on the outer edge of created space, and 
crack away at all eternit}'." But, upon second thought, he couldn't 
do that. His intellectual running gears would give out ))efore he could 
reacli the outer edge of created space, and he thought that all eternity 
would be too much for him. He regarded the address of Judge Dean 
as the most perfect that he could have conceived of, and so with the 
■other gentlemen who had 8})oken. 

"You have erected a court house which is, beyond comparison, the 
most perfect structure of its kind in this country. It reminds me of 
the description that Horace gave of the woman that he admired more 
than any other — i^implex munditiis — simi)le in the aljuudant wealth 
of its beauty." * * * "This building is dedicated to the 

administration of justice, which is the greatest of human concerns. 
The most important part of the machinery of justice is the county 
courts — the courts of Common Pleas — these courts whose function it is 
to take original cognizance of all cases affecting life, liberty and property, 
and to do justice lietween man and man. All the other machinery of 
our Government is made for the purpose of bringing a competent judge 
upon that bench, and twelve honest men into that jury box in order 
that they may do justice. For that you make a Legislature; for that 
you have a Congress; for that you have a union of the States; an 
executive department ; an army and navy. The ultimate object of it 
all is that justice shall be administered between the people of a neigh- 
borhood. As long as you can maintain perfect i)urity in the judiciary 
and have justice administered promptly and speedily at home it does 
not matter very much — that is, it is not a thing of vital importance 
how the other parts of your political machinery go on ; and Avhenever 
there is any serious corruption or wrong by A\'hich the scales of justice 
do not hang Avith an even balance in these courts of original jurisdic- 
tion, you are in the worst possi))le condition in which you can l)e placed. 

" Now, gentlemen, liave I made a sufficient apology for not making 
a speech ? If I have not, why, I will have to apologize for that. If 
there was anybody here who would speak evil of the Blair county court 



HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND ULAIR COUNTY. 



43 



• or its bar, or to falsify its history, or to say that the luciuhcrs of this 
))ar were not thi' In'st men in tlie workl, then I wonld have an issue 
which I couhl take up with them, and I tliink I could keep up my siih- 
im-tty welh But I liave no1»ody to fiyht ! I am, tlierefore, in a situa- 
tion somewhat like that of Jemima Wickershani, a female i)rophet, who 
made her a})pearance in western Xi'w York. She said she was ahle to 
walk upon the water miraculously, and called divei's i)ersons to witness 
the performance. They asseml)led in larfjc numbers, and just ))efore 
she made preparation to step out on the lake she asked tlie crowd 
there assembled if they believed she could do it. They told her that 
they thoug'ht she could not. 'Then," she said, 'you have little faith 
— a generation of vipers, who seek a si,<i-n and shall find none.' There- 
fore, she would not walk upon the water that day. She tried them 
again, however, another day, and she put the same tpiestion to them, 
and, knowing what sort of an answer had defeated them before, they 
answered affirmatively, that they believed she conld. 'Very well, 
then,' said she, 'there is no use to work miracles in your i)resence, you 
have faith enough!' Now, I think you all have faith enough in your 
■Judge, and faith enough in your l)ar, and faith enough in yourselves 
to get on very well without any exhortation from me, and therefore I 
bid you an aff"ectionate farewell." 

At the conclusion of Judge Black's remarks, various persons were 
called on for speeches — Col. R. A. McMurtrie, Judges Orvis and 
Hall, and Messrs. Orbison, Williamson, Johnston, and others. The 
majority of those called out refused to respond. General Williamson 
delivered an address, sparkling with that wit for which he is so famous, 
while the remarks of R. L. Johnston, esq., of Cambria, were intensely 
humorous and highly enjoyed l>y the audience. The meeting then ad- 
journed, and the formal dedicatory ceremonies were over. 



MEMBERS OF THE BAR. 



Alexander, M ilton 
Baltlrige, H. M. 
Banks, CecU R. 
Banks, Tluukleus 
BeU, Martin 
Blair, Samuel S. 
Brotlierline, J. Irvin 
Brumbaugh, D. S. 
Buckley, M. Edwaid 
Calvin, Mattbew B. 
Calvin. Samuel 
Cress weU, John. jr. 
Cunningham, Jerre 
Dively, A. V. 
Dohyiie, Geo. A. 
Doyle, John A. 
Flanlgan. James, jr. 
Greevy, Thos. H. 
Kerr, H. H. 
Hewit, B. L. 
Hicks, J.I). 
-Jackson, Thos. W. 



Altoona. 
HoUidaj-sburj 



Roaring Spring 

Altoona. 

Hollidayslnirg. 



Altoona. 

Hollidajsburfj 

Altoona. 



HoUidaysburg 

Tyrone." 

Altoona. 



Jaekel, Fred. 
Johnson, Robert 
Kyle, J. M. 
Landis, Augustus S. 
Leet, John D. 
Leisenring, J. S. 
Lvsinger, Samuel B. 
3IeMurtrie. R. A. 
Mervine. X. P. 
Xeff, D. J. 
Riddle, J. F. 
Riley, A.J. 
Sha\v, Edmund 
Smith, I. Horace 
Snyder, H. H. 
Stevens, A. A. 
Tierney, F. P. 
Woodcock, S. jM. 
Wookcoek, W. Loe, 
Woodcock. W. Irvin, 
llciiisling, H. T. 



HoUidaysburg. 
Altoona. 

HoUidaysburg. 
Altoona. 

Martinsburg. 

HoUidaysburg. 

Altoona. 

Tyrone. 
Altoona. 

HoUidaysburg. 

Tyrone. 
Altoona. 



Ilollidaysburj 
Altoona. 



u 



HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY. 



J. R. VAUGHN 



— DEALER IN — 



Goods, Groceries, 

Provisions, Moiir, Feed, 
Queensware, Canned Fruits, Notions, Boots, Shoes^ 

AiKl all suci) articles as are TiS'iially kept in a First-class Dry Goods, (irocery and 

Provision Store. 

BEST GOODS AT LOWEST PRICES. 



Brick! Brick! 



-^ 



h- 



Of Every Description : 



PRESSED, COMMON, 

PAVING, ANGLE, Etc. 

(Foi- Bay Windows.) 

In any Quantity-at any Time-at Lowest Figures. 
J. R. VAUGHN, 

Corner 8th Avenue and 21st Street, Altoona. 

(BRICK BUILDING.) 



HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY. 45 

THi; NEW JAIL. 

The new juil for the county was built during the years of 1SG8-9. 
Its total cost, with alterations, was about $100,000. It was erected 
by Jonathan Rhule, of this county, assisted by Ed. Havelan, architect, 
the latter now deceased. The commissioners appointed to supervise 
its construction were Robert Waring, John C. Biddle, R. B. Hamilton, 
Joshua Roller and David Henshey. The first keeper was Sheriff 
Harry Huff. On April 10, 1ST3, the Legislature enacted a si)ecial 
law authorizing the commissioners of the county to appoint a keeper, 
subject to the approval of the Court of Quarter Sessions. This ap- 
pointment is made annually. The first keeper under this law was 
Aiden Baird, who was succeeded the next year by John McClure, 
whose appointment was continued until his decease. The present 
keeper, J. B. Kephart, took charge April 1, 1880. 

The jail is built in the most approved style of prison architecture. 
The corridors and cells are well lighted and ventilated, at the same 
time perfectly secure. No improvement could be made or suggested. 
It reflects great credit upon those who Avere employed in its erection. 

ALMSHOUSE AND HOUSE OF EMPLOYMENT. 

This refuge of the poor of the county is situate in Allegheny 
township, about one and a half miles north of Ilollidaysburg. It is 
a well-constructed brick building, two stories and a half high, contain- 
ing fifty-two rooms. In addition to these are two dining rooms and 
two kitchens, besides a number of halls or corridors. Its architec- 
ture is of modern style. It was planned by Mr. Hayden Smith, arch- 
itect. Messrs. Peter Empfield and John B. Westley were the con- 
tractors. It was built in 1849-50. Its entire cost was $1,8(Ui.50. 

The grounds contain 267 acres 12 perches, being part of two tracts 
of land, one in the name of Joseph Patton, the other in the name of 
John Cochran. Both these tracts were purchased by Samuel Royer, 
and by him sold to the county fur $10,000. The land or farm is un- 
der a high state of cultivation, owing to the efficient management of 
the present steward, Mr. William Shinefelt. 

The house was first occupied in April, 1850. Its first steward 
w\as Mr. John Lytic, who served in that capacity until 1852; Mr. 
Edward McGraw from 1852 to 18(53; Mr. O. E. Crissman from 1803 
to 1870 ; Mr. Joshua Aurandt from 1870 to September 9, 1873, when 
the present steward, Mr. William Shinefelt, assumed the duties of the 
position. Its first physician was J. A. Landis, M. D. The present 
one is W. C. Roller, M. D. 



46 HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY. 

The gTouiuls immediately surrounding the house, adorned with 
beautiful plants and flowers, convey the idea that the building is a 
comfortable abiding place for the poor. Under the direct supervision 
of the matron, Mrs. Shinefelt, the interior of the house is kept in the 
))est possi)>le condition. 



EXrENDlTVKEB DURING 1879. 

For clothing $ 900 9:5 

Delivering paupers 106 01 

Drugs 221 -'7 

Farm 1,225 So 

Food 1,905 m 

House 924 51 

Improvements and repairs 2.)4 74 

Miscellaneous V^OO 42 

Outdoor relief 3,612 .52 

Outside burial 21S 95 

Salaries 1.141 25 



Total expenses $11,412 09 



PRODUCTS CF FARM. 

In addition to amount paid for 

house expenses $(i,099 45 

3931 pounds of beef 235 8fi 

3307 pou n (Is of pork I.s5 18 

70 pounds of veal 4 20 

448 bushels of potatoes 224 00 

30059 pounds of flour 1,090 52 

780 pounds of butter 124 80 

Total outlay $7,904 01 

Deduct board of farm hands 384 00 



$7,580 01 
Average cost of inmates per week, $1.55. 

The products raised on the farm were : 1,275 bushels wheat, 299 
))ushels oats, 1,573 bushels corn, 648 bushels potatoes, 4 bushels white 
l)eans, 22S bushels winter apples, 29 four-horse loads hay, 10 loads 
cornfodder, 3,867 pounds pork, 6,315 pounds beef, 780 pounds butter, 
20 bushels turnips, 46 barrels cider, 4,000 heads cabbage, 10 bushels 
lieans in pod, 5 bushels peas in pod, 17 bushels onions, 20 bushels 
parsnips, 10 bushels beets, 4 ))ushels hops. 50 bushels tomatoes, 1 bar- 
rel cucumbers for pickles. Amount realized on sale of products — 
$198.00. 

Articles manufactured in the house were: 119 straw ticks, 119 
bolsters, 110 sheets, 40 haps, 160 pillow cases, 6 sunbonnets, 8 night- 
caps, 61 women's dresses, 38 children's dresses, 98 men's shirts, 20 
women's flannel skirts, 6 children's skirts, 8 boys' shirts, 16 pairs 
l)oys' i)ants, 8 suits women's under clothing, 10 suits children's under 
clothing, 25 chemises, 4 shrouds, 4 women's sacques, 53 aprons, 40 
towels, 25 i)airs men's socks, 6 pairs women's stockings ; 200 pounds 
tallow candles, 10 l)arrels soft soap, 6 barrels saner kraut, 280 gallons 
apple butter. 

The numljer of inmates in the house January 1, 1879, 88; ad- 
mitted during the year, 138; born during year, 7 ; total, 233. Dis- 
charged and eloped during the year, 153; died during the year, 12; 
total, 145. Number remaining Junuary 1, 1880, 88. Of the inmates 
remaining January 1, 1880, there are 41 adult males, 32 adult white 
females, 1 adult colored female, 9 male children, 5 female children (all 
white). Of these there are two blind adult males, 8 insane males 
(adults), 13 females. Natives, 62; foreigners, 26. 



HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY. 41 

THE county's finances. 

To exhibit the present financial condition of the county, \vc sul)- 
mit the follo\ving' receipts and ex[)enditures from January G, 18*19, to 
January 6, 1880: 

UECEIPTS 

From collectors ii!a"i,,'?()() (K> 

EXPENDITUUES. 

Paid to attorneys i?rn(i 00 

Bridy:e.s (repairs, etc.) I,'vi5 4(i 

Bonus and interest li>.-J4r) (;.") 

Commissioners' office 2,'M>'.) i-1 

Courts 7,071 o;5 

Court house (supplies, insurance, etc.) l.it'.iK 52 

Poor and 1 u natics 11,980 91 

•Jails and penitentiaries 4:,.ol0 96 

Printing-, books antl stationery 1,'297 10 

Miscellaneous .5,154 3(> 

Treasury balance from last year 1,.5()2 M 

Balance on commission on $121,699.32 at IX percent 1,824 i;! 

Balance ilue county '. 5,298 87 

$65,366 06 

COUNTY INDEBTEDNESS JANUARY 5, ISSO. 

Court house bonds $124,100 00 

Prison bonds 12,300 00 



Total $136,400 00 

NAMES OF OFFICERS AND YEAR OF ELECTION. 

PRESIDENT JUDGES. 

Jeremiah S. Black, from the fourth Monday of July, 1846 (when first court was 
held), up to and including March term, 1849. 

George Taylor, from April 5, 1849, (his tirst court held on the second Blondaj- of 
July, 1849). up to 1871. 

John Dean, from 1871 to the present time. 

ASSOCIATE JUDGES. 

■George li. McFarlane 1846 i John Penn Jones 1855 



Daniel McConnell 1847 

Davis Brooke 184S 

James Gardner 1851 

Levi Slinglutr 1851 

James I). Rea 1854 

James L. Gwin 18.55 

David Caldwell 1855 



Adam Moses 1860 

Samuel Dean 1860 

B. F. Rose 1865 

George \Y. Pattou 1870 

Joseph Irwin 1870 

Charles J. IMann 1875 

Samuel Smith 1875 



The names of the District Attorneys, since the formation of the 
county, will be found on pagx' 38. 

SHERIFFS. 

Benj. E. Belts, appointed June 23 1846 ' Martin L. Bechtel 1864 

Samuel J. Royer 1846 i John McKeage 1867 

Thonuis Rees 1849 I Henry B. Hutf 1870 

George Port 18.55 Alexander Bobb 1873 

James Funk 18.58 James M. Stiffler 1877 

Samuel McCamant 1861 I G. T. Bell l&SO 

PROTHONOTARIES AND CLERKS OF COURTS. 

J. Cunningham, appointed June 10. ..1846 I Joseph Baldi'ige, December 1 1855 

Joseph Snnth. December 1 1846 Anthony S. Morrow, December 1 18<il 

Cxeorge W. Johnston, December 1 1849 James P. Stewart (present prothono- 

Hugh McNeal 1852 i tary), December 1 1873 



48 



HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY. 




-\ 



V 



OME^ 
STTRACTIY 



H 



THE WAV TO DO IT IS TO PURCHASE GOOD 



FURNITURE, 



SUCH AS CAN BE OBTAINED ONLY AT 



Arthurs Establishment, 



NO. 1008 ELEVENTH AVENUE. 



Parlor, Chamber and Kitchen Furniture, 



IN FINE STOCK, 



liicliuling Cbaiiiber Sets, Bureaus, Lounges, Tables, Cliaiis, Bedsteads, Bed Springs- 
and everj'tlnng you can tJiink of in the Furniture line. By adhering to the 
Cash System we have no losses to make up. Thus we can sell at 20 
per cent, less than those who sell on time. 4iS=VVe manufac- 
ture as well as sell all kinds of Furniture. Orders left 
will receive prompt attention. 



JOSIAH ARTHUR, Prop'r 

LEWIS TIPTON, Salesman. 



HISTORY OP ALTOOXA AND BLAlll COUNTY. 



49 



UEGISTEHS AND KIOCOHUEIW. 

,^. M. Gibbon V, appointed June 17 1840 David M. Jones, DeciMabor 1 IMo 

l)ep\itv— H. A. Caldwell, appointed Deputy— JIugh A. Caldwell, Deceni- 

,J uiu' 17 1*4(> I ber 1 1865 

l.ewis il. Williams, Dceeniber 1 1847 Abraham Ungeiifcltei- (present Keg- 

Jlimii A. Caldwell, Doeember 1 185(! isterand Itceorder) 1875 

Deputy— .Jos. lialdridui-, appointed Deputy— .lolin C. Lingenfelter (prcs- 

September 3 18.)7 enl 'OeiJUty) 1S7:) 

TUEASUUEUS. 

It. II. Mccormick, appointed .Tune il.lSKJ ,Iohn McKeaij-e 18«() 

Joseph Morrow 184() James II. Cramer lS(i2 

Jolm I'enu Jones ISt'.t .John W. Klack 18H(; 

Joshua W. MeCord ls.'j4 John M. Clark 1868 

Samuel Hoover 1857 , George M. Metz 187'2 

John Lingat'elt 1858 , Alexander Rutledge 1877 

COMMISSIONEUS. 



Wui. C. MeCormieU, appointetl June. 1846 

William Bell 184(; 

Valentine Lingent'elter 1846 

Edward McGraw 1847 

VVil liam Bell 1847 

John K Nert" 1847 

Jacob Hoover 18iS) 

David Caldwell 1849 

Jacob Burley 1849 

Samuel Dean 18.')0 

John Bennett ie.51 

John Lowe 185'2 

John Campbell 18.');i 

James Roller 18,54 

.James Hutchison 1855 

David M. Confer 1856 

[Jacob Barnhart tilled Coufer's unex- 
pireil term.] 

John R McFarlane 1857 

Enos M.Jones IS.58 

George L. Cowen 18.59 

George Koon 1860 

James M. Kinkead 1861 

Daniel Shock 186'2 

[Joseph Irwin tilled Shock's unex- 



pired term. Shock having entered 

ihe armv.] 

(ieorne W Hewitt 1863 

liobert VVai insi- 1864 

John C. Bi( l.lle l.><65 

R. K. Hamilton 18(i6 

Joshua Roller 1867 

David Henshev 1868 

Jacob Walter.'. 1869 

David S. Longenecker 1870 

Samuel Morrow 1871 

David Aurandt 1872 

John Clark 1873 

Alex. Carnthers 1875 

John Halfpenny 1876 

Jonathan Slippy 1876 

John Hileman ." 1876 

John Halfpenny 1879 

Samuel B. Confer 1879 

James Mcintosh 1879 

Clerk from 1846 to 1856, Lewis II. "Wil- 
liams. From December 1.5, 18.56, to De- 
cember 23, 1862, Hugh A.Caldwell. Jo- 
seph Baldrige. present clerk, since 1862. 



CORONERS. 



,1 ames Funk 1855 

William Fox 1858 



Jacob Wcidensall 1864 

John W. Humes (present coroner). .1869 



SURVEYORS. 



Henry C. Nicodemus •. 1862 | Francis Cassiday. 

John M. Gibbony .1875 | 



.1878 



DIRECTORS OF THE POOR. 



William IJell 1849 

Joseph Fay 1849 

J. A. Land'is 1849 

Edward McGraw , 1851 

Jacob Igo 1851 

John G. McKee 1851 

John Bennet 18.52 

George Cowen 18.52 

C. Stoner 1853 

David Fleck 18.54 

C. Guyer 1855 

M. Wike 1856 

Samuel Shryver 1857 

George Weaver 18.58 

John" B. Riddle 1859 

Peter Good 1860 

M'il liam Burley 1861 

David Aurandt lsi;2 

Jacob Nicodemus 186;! 



Samuel Jones 1864 

Samuel Moore 1865 

Stephen Hammoml 1866 

Samuel Smith 1867 

1 )a\'itl Craw foril 18(>8 

Jacob Stifler 1869 

Abraham Louden 1870 

Andrew Biddle, app. to till vacancy. 
John M. Bush, app to till, vacancy... 

James M. Johnston " 1871 

F. D. Young 1S72 

Albert Wilson 187;J 

Joseph RidiUe 1874 

David Bell 1875 

Edward Bell 1876 

John S. Biddle 1877 

David Bel I 1878 

J . C. Mattern 1879 



50 HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY. 

AUDITOKS. 

Clias. E. Kiiikoa.] 1847 ! Geo. W. Reed I*M 

Win. P. Dvsait 1847 M. D. Thatcher 1865 

-Tanips Wilson 1847 Ahraham Robi.son 1866" 

Willi;im Hceil 1848 Jaines McKiin Ism 

James I.. Gwin 1850 D. E. McCahan 1867 

David Tate 1850 : S. A. Fulton 1868 

Jacob Walter 185' ' Geo. W. Hoover 186S 

(ieorge W. Smitli 1851 Wni. H. Canan 1869 

James a,. M.-iJuhan 18i5-2 J. \). Hicks l!*<50 

Siiniuel Siiiiili 18.5;^ Wm. H. Calvert 1870 

Henry Ein-en triicr 18.")4 John C. Robeson 1871 

John' Ha"i-rt V 18.55 J. J. Nottslier 1872 

John W. Tiiipery 18.56 Martin 7iell..ir 1873 

Samuel :\Iorr\v 1857 Alexander Knox 1874 

A, C. MeCavtnev 18.58 Charles E. Butler 1875 

Joseph i;. Hewitt 18.59 , J. Ross Mateer 1876 

A. y\. I lovd 1860 B. F. Custer l'*76 

R. .Al. Mcssini.'r 1861 J. E. Haf^ev l!^76 

E. T.(Mvr\- >Io,iie 1862 S. C. Baker 1879 

David Heiislu'v 1863 ; J. H. Isett 1879 

John A. Ci;i Av toid ISiiS A. C. Clapper 1879 

Alex. Knox 1864 

n. K. roLicE. 

The I'oUowinj;- is a list of Railroatl Policemen, appointed by theGovernor, whose 
commissions arc on tile in the Register and Recorder's office at Hollldaysburg : 



John M. Clark 1865 

Beniamin Devine 1867 

Al fred Thompson 1867 

John JM. Estep 1867 

Jolui Ehringer 1867 

William O'Reilly 1873 

W illiam R. Sinitli 187:{ 



Edwin H. Carr 1873 

Simon B. Barr 1873 

Xeal Patton !><'>> 

Frankli n Fox 1876 

James H. Cramer (trainmaster) 1877 

Patrick A. Burns 1878 

Alex. Mock 1878 



Isaac fZ. Rose 1873 \ L. H. Jones 1878 

Henry McDade 1873 | Wm. W. Corkle 1878 

NEWSPAPERS AND OTHER PUBLICATIONS. 

For a, j)ortion oi' the followin.ii' we arc iii(lcl)te(l to "Prof. Gu.'^s' 
History of the Juniata Valley," ])ublishe(l in several papers of our 
county in 18T9 : 

The Aurora was started at HoUidaysburg, August 9, 1833, l)y T. 
P. Oani])bell, and was afterward conducted by Messrs. Sample Bros. 
It was suspended after a year or "two and was again revived in the 
Register in 183(;. 

The Canal and Portage Register was first issued by John Scott 
and H. C. (Jray, July 2, 183(5. Mr. Gray sold his interest to John 
Pciiu Jones, OctolR'r 2(;, 183('.. Messrs. Scott and Jones continued 
until April 11, 1838, when Mr. Jones became sole proprietor, and 
he enlarged the jiaper to live columns, and changed the name to 
Hollidayslmrg Register and Huntingdon County Int(uircr. From 
May 1, 183!), to Feliruary 24, 1840, P. B. Williams was associated 
with My. Jones, after which ]\[r. Jones eontiniied again, and March 
4, 184(), elianged the name to HoUidaysburg Register and Blair 
County Impiirer. About 1854 or 1855 the name was changed to 
HoUidaysburg Register aiul Blair County Weekly Xews. September 
25, 18«;i, Mr. Jones took in H. A. Caldwell as a partner, and they 



HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY. 51 

sold the paper to John Dean, now Jud.ife Dean, Octoljer 21, 1S<)8, 
from -whom it passed, in LSfio or 1866, to Samuel Hoover & Son. 
March 16, 1868, it was purchased by David Over and his hrotlicr, 
Jacol) Z. Over. January 7, 18T0, the name was changed to Holli- 
daysburg Register. November 27, 1872, Jacob Z. Over retired, and 
David Over continues its publication. On Ai»ril 14, 1880, the paper 
was enlarged from twenty-four to thirty-six columns, and on that day 
appeared in a dress of new and beautiful type. 

The Hollidaysburg Standard, five columns, was started with 
materials of the old Huntingdon Ga/.ette by P. L. Joslin, with George 
R. McFarlane editor, in the spring of 1838, and was owned l)y stock- 
holders. On January 1, 1841, 0. A. Traugh and H. A. l>oggs took 
charge, and on January 1, 1848, differences occurring between the 
editors and stockholders in regard to the Portage railroad, Messrs. 
Traugh and Boggs started a new paper, with new material, called 
the Beacon Light, six columns, which was continued until June, 1845. 
In the meantime John Dougherty purchased a lot of new material 
and resumed the Democratic Standard about October 10, 1844. 
Alonzo S. Dougherty purchased the Standard, 0. A. Traugh pur- 
chased the interest of Mr. Boggs in the Beacon Light, and Messrs. 
Traugh and Dougherty merged the papers into a new series of the 
Democratic Standard, May 1, 1845, and in May 1, 1846, Mr. Traugh 
became sole proprietor, and has continued until this date, now thirty- 
five years, and making thirty-eight years in all, counting both papers. 
The Standard now has eight columns to the page, and is all that a 
good printer can make it. Among the assistants on this paper, form- 
erly well known, was U. J. Jones. William H. Schwartz is the 
present assistant editor. 

The Blair County Whig was started about 1845 or 1846 by Jacob 
L. Slentz. After about three years, or about 1850, it was purchased 
by George T. Raymond and William S. Wilson. Subsequently Mr. 
Raymond alone conducted the paper. He is said to have been mur- 
dered at Woodberry, N. J. After a suspension of a month or two it 
was purchased l)v John Brothcrline, recently deceased. During ]iart 
of the time (1861) Mr. Brothcrline had John H. Keatley associated 
with him, and he also changed the name to the Radical and Blair 
County Whig, about 1866. May 18, 1868, it was purchased ))y M. 
p]dgar King and James H. L'win, and the name changed to Blair 
County Radical. The office was removed to Altoona. On May 6, 
1878, the interest of Jas. H. Irwin was purchased by Samuel J. Irwin, 
and by him leased to M. Edgar King, since which time James H. 



52 HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY. 

D. G. McCULLOUGH, 



V 



H 



H 



H 






GROCER 



Keeps the Largest Stock of Groceries and Pro- 
visions in Altoona. 



W. R. VS^ARD, 



DEALER IN 



BITUMINOUS SND SNTHRSCITE 

COALS, 

Kindling Wood, Lumber, 

Hay, Straw, Lime, Cement, Etc. 

Corner 9tli Avenne and ITtli Street. 



= A11 orders for clean, pure Coal, (hard or soft) will be promptly flUctl, as also for 
Wood, Hay, Straw, etc. Orders can be seut from the Telephone Exchange, 
over F. W. Ohnes' Meat Market. Eleventh Avenne, bet. 13th and 14th 
Streets, without eost, and will receive Pkompt attention. 



HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY'. 53 

Irwiii ro-associatcil hiinsclf witli Mr. Kiiiu-, tlir style of the i>iil)lisiruii>- 
firm beiiiii- King' it Irwin. It i.s R('i)iil)li('aii, and now in its tliirty- 
fourth volunio. 

Tlie Shield was a paper pulilished about 1841) to 1.S50, in Holli- 
daysbur<i-, in the interest of the ('atholie ehureli, by Hayden Smith. 

The first newspaper enterprise undertaken in Altoona was by 
William H. and J. A. Snyder, who, in the spring of 1855, i)ublished 
the Altoona Register from materials of the Standing Stone Banner. 
After fiv^e or six months it was discontinued, and the materials were 
purchased by Ephriam B. McCrum and William M. Allison, wlio 
commenced the Altoona Tribune January 1, 185(!. May 1, 1858, 
Mr. Allison disposed of his interest to H. C. Dern. July 19, 1875, 
the interest of McCrum passed into the hands of Hugh Pitcairn, who, 
with Mr. Dern, has conducted the jtaper to this day. April 14, 1878, 
McCrum & Dern began the Daily Tril)une, whicli, after two years, 
on April 14, 1875, was discontinued. January 28, 1878, Dern it 
Pitcairn resumed the daily edition, which, with the weekly, continues 
to l)e published. Adam J. Greer has been the principal editor for a 
number of years. The proprietors recently erected a neat and sul)- 
stantial three-story brick building, especially designed as a printing 
house, on Twelfth street, between Eleventh and Twelfth avenues. It 
fronts thirty-two feet on Twelfth street and has a depth of sixty feet. 

The American Era, started by a stock company in Tyrone about 
185(^, with W. S. H. Keys as editor, afterwards Benj. Jones. The 
material then went into the Tyrone Herald, by Robert Stoddard, 
^vhich susix'nded in about a year. It was revived again and called 
the Tyrone Star, l)y M. H. Jolly ; afterwards it was conducted by 
Captain James Bell, and suspended. It was again revived and called 
the Western Hemisphere, by a stock company, with J. W. Scott and 
Cyrus Jeffries as editors. The paper suspended again, and then re- 
vived in August, 1867, by H. R. Holsinger, under the old name of 
Tyrone Herald, and August, 1867, sold to J. L. Holmes and C. S. W. 
Jones in April, 18(58, and after April, 1869, Jones alone conducted it. 
W. H. H. Brainerd was a partner in 1871 and 1872, and Al. Ty hurst 
in 1875 and 1876. Mr. Jones continues to this date. On the morn- 
ing of July 8, 1880, the fine, new, three-story Herald building was 
<lestroyed l)y fire, together with a large portion of Mr. Jones' printing 
material. With commendable energy and enterprise on the part of 
its pu))lisher, the paper made its appearance as if nothing had haj>- 
pened. 



54 HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY. 

John H. Keatly coinmenced the publication of The Leader in 186(3, 
in Hollidaysburg. but after a little over a year it ceased, and the 
materials went to Dr. J. P. Thompson, Williamsljurg, who started^ 
the Temperance Vindicator in the spring of 18()8. About 18*70 the 
paper was sold to Col. George F. McFarland, who removed the office- 
to Harrisburg, but the press, etc., went to the Bedford Press office. 

The Altoona Vindicator was started May 1, 1868, by James 
F. (Campbell. In the summer of 1869 the office was ni^arly alll 
destroyed by fire. New niati-rial was secured and the offic(! sold;, 
Dec«Mnber 10, 18(59, to D. W. Moore, who changed the name to the 
Altooiui Sun, June 2, 1870, and it was conducted by Moon^ & Son, 
Moori^ & McKinney, and again by Mr. Moori^ alone. John W. Mc- 
Kinney entered the firm February 10, 18*71. The Daily Sun was 
started May 2, 1870. and continued seven montiis. On May 10, 1874, 
the office was purchased by N. C. Barclay, and his broth*^', Cyrus N. 
Biuclay, who enlarged it, January 1, 1879. In November, 1879, a 
joint stock company was organized, composed of a larg<' nundx'r of 
the most active Democrats of Blair, ('ambria, Huntingdon and Som- 
erset counties, for the])ur}>ose of (\stablishing a daily Democi'atic paper 
in Altoona in connection with the Weekly Sun. The organization, 
under the title of "The Sun Printing and Publishing Company," was 
completed November 25, 1879, by the election of a board of directors^ 
as ibllows: Andrew J. Riley, John P. Levan, (ieorge W. Good*, N. 
i). Barclay, S. M. Woodcock, M. Fitzharris, Albert F. Heess, F. I>. 
Casaiiiive and R. W. Guthrie. The board of directors, at a subsecjuent 
meeting, elected A. J. Riley, president; N. C. Barclay, treasurer and- 
l)nsiiiess manager, and R. W. (iuthrie, clerk. William P. P^irey was 
elected as nuinaging editor, John M. Furey, city editor, and Cyrus N. 
Barcliiy sui)erintendent of the |)rinting dejcirtnient. The first num-^ 
ber of the Altoona Daily Siui was issued Dcccnilier 11, 1S7'.). 

The Tvrcuie i>liide was established l»y J. L. Holmes, June 1, 1870, 
Avho sold the office to Geo. Strou)*, Noveml)er 22, 1S72, who changed' 
the nanu' to Tyrone Democrat, iind continued its ])ubIieation untiK 
July S, 18S(», when tlie office was (lestroye(l by fire. 

The Altoona Ba|»tist, first four pages, afterwards eight pages, pub- 
lished in the interest of the First Ba}>tist church of Altoona; estab- 
lished November, IS78; Rev. Wm. Codville, editor. It was i»idilisliedi 
bv Harry Sle]), for about one y<'ar, when it wa>^ discontinued. 

The Evening Mirror was started in Altooiui, June 18, ls74, by 
Harry Slep and (ieo. J. Akers. It was a i)enny daily, foui- columns. 
S<'i)teniber 14 it was enlarged to live columns. W. J. Fleming en- 



HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND HLAIR COUNTY. 55 

tcrcd tile firm NovciuIxt In, 1 S74. Mny oO, I S'Tn, it was enlar^-cd to six 
('(iluiiiiis, price two ct'iits, and forty cents per month. Novenilxn" IG, 
1877, Harry Slcp became sole pro|)rietor, 1)nt his health faih'ri^-, he 
sold the pajK-r, on Decembei- 1, !S7s, to W. K. Bucking-ham sind W. 
S. Xicoden;us, who, iif'ter a few months, chanued it from sm Indepon- 
dent t(i ii Democratic pajK'r, and mimed it th<' Democnitic Call. 
Shortly after it resumed its independence from })arty shackles and 
bore the name of Kvenin.y Tall. It pnssed into the hands of Alex- 
ander it Herr, w iio conducted it ii few months, and on Januarv I, 
1880, Edward B. Haines, who, for six years ]»reviously conducted 
the Willianisi)ort Banner, ])urchased the controlling interest iind in- 
augurated active measures for the imju-ovement of the j»a])er. He 
constructed a suitiiliie building iidjoining the one previously occupied, 
stocked it with new printing materials, introduced steam, etc., ai>d at 
present ])ublishes, in addition to th<' daily edition, a weekly edition of 
four pages, and also a Sunday edition styled the Sunday Call, four 
])ages, eight columns to the ])age. 

The (^)ve Echo was [(ublished about 1x74 and 1875, in Martins- 
burg, by Ifenry and J(din Brumbaugh, and subseijuently by B. F. 
Lehnuui ; but the Echo soon ceased for lack of support. 

In 1874 1). B. Ream commenciMl a temperance i)a])er in Altoona 
called the Living Age. but the :ig<' of its living soon ended, and the 
nuiterials were purchased by (tco. J. Akers, who estal)lished a Sunday 
paper, ciilled the (ilobe, which, after a coui)le of months, he c(»n- 
verted into a daily, in the beginning of 1877, which I'an for sometime, 
but for lack of oil on the gudgeons the (irlobe ceased to revolve daily, 
and the ottice was purchased and run )>y.Tohn Tondinson as a (lin'cn- 
back pap<'r; but this enterprise also failed. 

The Home Base, a base ball weekly, was jtublished during the base 
ball season of 187(5, by Frank McCullough, at .Mirrcu' Printing House. 

Her Heutsche \'olksfuehrer (the (Jeruian I'eoplc^'s Leader), was 
started in Altoona by Harry Sle)*, March 28, 1878. Tt has eight 
columns, four pages, and is the only (Jerman paper in the Juiiiata 
vallew It is not political. Published at Harry Slep's I'rinting H(Mise. 

The Musical A.dvocate; Altoona; monthly; establish<'d July, 18T7 ; 
]\. B. Mahaftev. editor and ])ublisher; fifty cents per ye^ar. 

The (xospel Trumpet, published in Altctoiia. m(mthlv: estalilisfi<'d 
1878; gratuitous; T. B. Pattoii, editor. Printed at }Tarr\- Step's 
Mirror Printing House. 

The Altoona Advance, we<'kly. by Mr. and Mrs. T. P. iyvuder, 
was issued first on May 8, 1879. It is principally devoted to com- 



5() HISTORY OF ALTOOXA AND BLAIR COUNTY. 

B. BERKOWITZ, 

— TAN HE FOUND AT — 

IsTo. 1318 Eleventh A\'eiiue, - Altoona, Pa. 



WHEKE YOU CAN PURCHASE YOUR 



Groceries and Provisions, 

TEAS, COFFEES, SPICES, 
Sugars, Syrups, Canned Fruits, Tobacco and Seqars. 



F. P. TIERNEY, 

ATTORNEY - AT - LAW, 

Eleventh A\'eniie and Sixteenth 8ti-eet, 

ALTOONA, PA. 



JACOB B. COWEN, 



— DEALER IN — 



Dry Goods, Groceries, 

PROVISIONS, ETC. 
Eighth Avenue and Nineteenth Street. 



BLSIR COUNTY RUDICKL. 



A WEEKLY REPUBLICAN NEWSPAPER. 



TERMS : $1.50 per year, invariably in adviince ; othorwise, $2.00 per year. All kinds 
ot .Job Work at reasonable rates. Office in Sprankle's Building, 

Corner 11th Avenue and ITth Sti'eet, Altoona. 



HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY. 5t 

mercial i)uri)os('s. It is di-livcivil five at vvvvy house in the city, but 
in the county where it also circuhites, a small subscription price is 
charjjred. Its political views are Greenback- Labor, Mr. T. I*. Ryndor 
having- been the first man in the State to advocate a new party on 
the financiaJ and labor issues. It beli(>ves in hi,yh tariff, high wages 
and cash payments. It is also a temperance paper. Mrs. Rynder 
contri1)utes largely to its columns. It is printed at Harry Slep's 
Printing House. 

In August, 1819, Ed. J. Slep commenced the publication of th<* 
Youth's Mirror, a creditable monthly sheet, devoted exclusively to the 
rising generation, which is still successfully published. 

Our Work; Altoona; monthly; established February, 1880; 
published by the Young People's Christian Association of the Second 
Presbyterian church. Printed at the Mirror Printing House. 

The Tyrone Times, started as a semi-weekly paper on June 1, 
1880, shortly after changed to a weekly. Messrs. Holmes & Wooden, 
proprietors. 

Tbe Book-Keeper and Pensnan ; Altoona; established August, 1880; 
J. F. Davis, editor and proprietor ; monthly ; one dollar per year. Elev- 
enth avenue and Thirteenth street. 

The Marriage Advocate; Altoona; e.'^tal^lished 1880; J. F. Davis-, 
editor and proprietor; monthly; fifty cents per year. Eleventh ave- 
nue and Thirteenth street. 

The first Altoona City Directory of any consequence was pub- 
lished in 18T3, l)y Thomas H. Greevy, present City Recorder. The 
accuracy and extent of the information it contained made it extremely 
valuaV)]e. This was followed by a directory for 1875-6 by the same 
author. The directory for 1878-9 was published l)y William H. 
Renner, of Altoona, which constituted a complete compendium of 
such information as is sought in a publication of that kind. The 
directory for 1880-1, Webb Brothers & Co., of New York, publishers, 
is Iiefore the public. 

For the year 1875, George J. Akers compiled "The Mirror Hancf- 
Book and Comi)endium of Facts," a pamphlet of forty-seven pages. 
It contained a synopsis of the local occurrences of the year (1875), 
marriages and deaths; interments in Fairview Cemetery; State, county 
and city elections; l)rief history of Altoona; list of city and county 
officers; sketch of ])ublic schools, etc.; making it a valuable book of 
reference. Harry Slep, publisher. 

In the early part of 1879, "The First Venture," a book consisting 
of one hundred and eighty-seven pieces of poetry and a story in prose. 



58 HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY. 

entitled "After Many Days," was issued from the press of Harry 
Slep. It contained sixty pages. Harry L. Woods was the author, 
and was also the author of a book of Irish tales, entitled "Pat. Mul- 
doou's Anecdotes." Five hundred copies were issued, which com- 
manded a ready sale. 

LIST OP EXISTIN(i DAILY, WKEKLY AND MONTHLY PUBLICATIONS. 

Hi»]]idaysl)ury Reg-ister, weekly, Hollidaysburg. 

Democratic Standard, weekly, Hollidaysburg. 

Blair County Radical, weekly, Altoona. 

Altoona Tril)une, daily and weekly, Altoona. 

Tyrone Herald, weekly, Tyrone. 

Altoona Sun, daily and weekly, Altoona 

Evening Call, daily, weekly and Sunday, Altoona. 

Musical Advocate, monthly, Altoona. 

Der Deutsche Volksfuchrer (German), wt'ckly, Altoona. 

Gospel Trumjtet, monthly, Altoona. 

Altoona Advance, weekly, Altoona. 

Youths' Mirror, monthly, Altoona. 

Our Work, monthly, Altoona. 

Tyrone Times, weekly, Tyrone. 

Book-Keeper and Penman, monthly, Altoona. 

Marriage Advocate, monthly, Altoona. 



HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY. f)!) 



CITY OF ALTOONA. 



Altoona derived its name from tlie Latin word "Altus," or more 
directly from the French Avord "Alto," signifying' "high." It is 
situate at the base of the Allegheny mountains, 1,168 feet above the 
level of the sea. Its location and surroundings are rich in scenic 
beauty and atmospheric purity, so much so that it has become a 
favorite place of resort for tourists during the summer months. The 
scenery is of the most varied description. Within a radius of a few 
miles there is a gradual transition from the graceful and picturesqu(> 
to the rugged and sublime. A short distance Avest is the famous 
"Horseshoe Bend." [See illustration.] The valley here separates 
into tAvo chasms, but by a grand curve, the sides of Avhich are for 
some distance parallel with each other, the road crosses both ravines 
on a high embankment, cuts aAvay the point of the mountain dividing 
them, and SAA^eeps around and up the tremendous Avestern Avail. 
Looking eastAvard from the curve, the vieAv is peculiarly impressive, 
while at Allegrippus, Avhere most of the mountains cluster, the vast 
hills in successive ranges roll aAvay in billoAvy saatHs to the far horizon. 
"During the summer, tAvice each day, an open "observation car" is 
attached to the Day Express train and makes the round trips ))etAveen 
Altoona and Cresson Springs — the latter, in a more especial sense, 
perhaps, than the former, possessing a reputation as one of the most 
delightful summer resorts in the country. [See engraving of Cresson.] 

Opportunity is afforded for another pleasing diversion by the 
vicinity on the north of the Wopsononoc mountain, easily accessible 
to carriages, from AA'^hose summit is spread before the eye a panoramic 
vicAV Avhich, in the opinion of experienced travelers, is unsurpassed 
upon either continentin all those features Avhich delight and inspire. 
It comprises the .entire valley of the "Blue Juniata," a picture of 
highly cultivated farms, bounded by sAA'elling ranges of hills, Avhich 
gradually fade aAvay in the azure of the distant horizon. 

The celebrated "Sinking Spring Valley," Avith its subterranean 
streams and immense caverns, lies to the eastAA'ard, Avhile on the 
south-east is the Bell's Gap NarroAV Gauge railroad, excursions by 
Avhich to the summits of the mountains are among the most satis- 
•factory and popular diversions of life in Altoona. 



()0 



HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY. 



DAILY MORNING TRIBUNE 



The Best Daily Newspaper published in Central Pennsylvania. 



HAS THE LARGEST CIRCULATION 

<»t" any paper Ijetweeii Pittsburg and Harrisburg. 



As an atlvertisiiiir niedinin it is nnexopllt^d. It also contains tbe latest telegrapliie 
and local news. SUBSCBIPTION PRICE, 40 Cents per Month. 



The Weekly Tribune, 

A Thirty-two cohnnn paper, devoted entirely to news— miscellaneous and locail, 

and is considered the best family paper in the State. SUKSCRIPTION 

PRICE : $1. .10 per year in advance. 



The Tribune Job Priiitiiig Rooms 

Have the tacilities for executing all kinds of BLANK AND BOOK WORK, at the 
shortest possible notice, at the most reasonable terms. 

DERN & PITCAIRN, PROP'RS, 

Twelfth Street, bet. Eleventh and Twelfth Avenues, Altoona. 



LIVE A ND LET LIVE 

ENCOURAGE YOUR OWN MECHANICS! 
PROTECT HOME INDUSTRY 



I. W. TOOMEY, 

Merchant Tailor, 

Cornel' 11th Avenue and ITtli Sti'eet, 

Over S])rankle's Bee Hive Store, Altoona. 



Fabrics for Clothing of the latest manufacture— Best Materials— Most approved) 
Figures and Styles to select from— Best Workmanship— Perfect Fit. 

LOWEST PRICES. 



HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY. Cil 

HOTEL ACCOMMODATIONS. 

The hotel aecoiniiiochitioiis l)otl» of Altoona and Cres^^oii, as sum- 
mer resorts, are not only sufficiently ample, hut of a character to 
please the most fastidious. The Logan Hou.se has long enjoyed, and 
richly deserves the reputation it has acquired of being one of the most 
completely appointed hotels in the country, and since its erection by 
the Pennsylvania Railroad company (1855) has served as a mod(d 
for similar institutions. The system of electric bells has recently 
been introduced. The building itself, surrounded by Ijroad piazzas, 
its elegant furnishing, its table and entire management, leave nothing 
to be desired, while the elevated site and charming surroundings 
combine to render it one of the most delightful health and pleasure? 
resorts in the country. The large and beautifully shaded lawn affords 
a fine field for crocpiet and other out-door sport, while within ten- 
pin alleys, liilliard tables, etc., provide amjjle facilities for recreation. 
In addition to the Logan House, Altoona can boast of other hotels 
which would prove creditable to cities of much larger growth. 

The Mountain House, which is the only hotel at Cresson, is a 
very extensive frame Iniilding, and stands on the crest of a hill in 
the midst of a delightful grove. The grounds are expansive and are 
handsomely laid out, and scattered through them are a number of 
cottages designed expressly for the accommodation of families. The 
liill on which the house stands is always fanned by a delicious breeze. 
Several springs of medicinal waters flow from the mountain in the 
vicinity, and pleasant drives lead away through the almost unbroken 
forests. The Mountain House affords accommodations for five hun- 
dred guests. Both the Mountain House at Cres.son and the Logan 
House in Altoona are under the general management of the Key- 
stone Hotel company, and under the special direction oi' that truly 
efficient and polite caterer, Mr. W. D. Tyler. 

SITE OF THE CITY SELECTED. 

We have already adverted to the fact that, in 1S49, Altoona wa;> 
conceived by the Pennsylvania Railroad. The site of the city in that 
year was selected by the officers of that public highway as the most 
available place for the location of their principal workshops. At that 
time this portion of the country was a forest, broken only here and 
there by small tracts cleared for farming purposes. The hills and 
dales, now covered with the most striking evidences of material 
prosperity and progress, were at that time owned by William Loudon,, 
David Robison and Andrew Green, each of whom had a farm. 



62 HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY. 

WHERE THE SHOPS ^VERE LOCATED. 

It was decided ))y tlie officers of the Pennsylvania Railroad that 
the shops shonld be located on the farm of Mr. Robison, the centre 
one of tlie three, and arrang-ements were made with Mr. Archibald 
Wright, of Philadelphia, to secure it. In connection with the pur- 
chase of the farm the following story is told: Mr. Wright sent Mr. 
Cadwaladcr to make the purchase. At that time Mr. Robison lived 
in an old log liouse, near where the Logan House now stands. On 
his arrival he found Mr. R. engaged in l)utchering hogs, and at once 
made known his errand, as it had been previously ascertained that he 
would sell for $(),(»0(). Fortunately for Mr. R., but unfortunately for 
Mr. C, the latter (h'opped a letter from his jxx-ket, which was picked 
up and read by Mrs. Robison. This letter authorized Mr. C. to i)ay 
$10,000 for the farm rather than fail in the iturchase. Like any other 
good Avife she immediately communicated this information to her 
husband, and the result was that Mr. C. had to yield to the demand 
of $10,000 instead of $(),000. 

Mr. Wright located the original plot of Altoona upon the farm 
purchased from Mr. Robison, giving to the Pennsylvania Railroad 
company some fifteen acres u})on which to erect shops, offices and 
other buildings. At the time the plot was made a difficulty sprung 
up l)etween Mr. W. and the farmers on either side, which resulted in 
disarrangement of the streets as they passed from one farm to the 
other; hence the unsightly and annoying offsets east of Eleventh 
street and west of Sixteenth street. As soon as it was known that the 
Pennsylvania Railroad company intended locating their shops at this 
point, Messrs. (rreen and L(»udon commenced to lay out and sell lots. 

NAMES OF liOCALITIES. 

The plot laid out on the R()))ison farm was known as Altoona, 
while that portion lying east of Eleventh street was known as Greens- 
burg, and that west of Sixteenth street was called Loudonsville. 
Subsequently another addition was made at the eastern end of Greens- 
burg, on the western side of the railroad, ))eginning near or at Seventh 
.street. This part, on which are the lower Pennsylvania Railroad 
.shops, was laid out by George R. Mowry, then a civil engineer of 
the company, and E. B. McPike, and called Logantown. These dis- 
tinctive names were retained until 1868, when a city charter was 
obtained, and these farms, together Avith land lying far beyond them, 
were brought within the city limits, when ward names were substi- 
tuted, and the old names dropped out of use. 



HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY. 63 

WHEN THK WORK WAS COMMENCED. 

Ill the siminicr of IS.tII tlic railroad coiiipany coininciiccd the erec- 
tion of shoi)s. At that time the cars of the company passed over the 
mountain on the old Portage railroad, the mountain division, from 
this i)laee to ('oneniau,yh, not l)ein<;' eomi)leted. One passenger train 
a day, hauling- a bagii-ag-e ear and two passeng-er coaches, carried all 
the people traveling east and wi'st by way of the Juniata valley. A1 
that time the road-bed was on Ninth avenue, and the passeng-er sta- 
tion was located near where the locomotive paint shop now stands. 

INSTANCE OF INCREASED VALUE OF REAL ESTATE. 

In the spring of 185fi the lot upon which the Brant House now 
stands was ofi'ered for $250, and refused. Ten years after it was 
sold for $t,500. This will convey an idea of the rapid advance in the 
price of property when it was ascertained that Altoona was to 1)0 
made the head-quarters of the Pennsylvania Railroad company. 

BANKING HOUSES. 

The tirst banking- house was opened about the year 1853, by 
•Messrs. Bell, Johnston, Jack & Co., of Hollidaysburg, Wm. M. 
Lloyd being- one of the tirm. About the year 1857 or 1858, Messrs. 
Bell, Johnston and Jack retired, and the name of the firm was changed 
to that of Wm. M. Lloyd k Co. Mr. Lloyd continued to do a large 
banking business until overtaken by the panic of 1873, and he sub- 
.sequently ceased Inisiness. Between those periods the First National, 
Mechanics' Savings and the Altoona banks were established, and 
have braved all di.sasters, surmounted all ol)stacles, and are now doing 
a fair business, and regarded as solvent as any in the country. 

CHURCHES. 

In 1852 and 1853 the first churches were erected in Altoona. 
Previous to that time the only place of worship was the old L^nion 
school-house, which, for a long time, was used by a colored family as 
a place of residence and the African M. E. congregation as a place of 
worship. It was recently torn down, and a neat frame superstructure 
erected on the site, near the corner of Eleventh avenue and Sixteenth 
street, for worship l)y the African M. E. congregation. [See Churches 
on subsequent pages.] 

WATER SUPPLY. 

The stream of water first introduced by the Pennsylvania Railroad 
company, and from which the pul^lic was for a time supplied by the gas 



6 4 

ATA 



HISTORY OF ALTOOXA AND BLAIR COUNTY. 



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HISTORY OF ALTGO-VA AND BLAIR COUNTY. C)^ 

and wiiter company, was foinnl insiiHifirnt. tlu- inen-asc of railroad 
shops requiring, at least in the sunnner, all the water of the stream. 
The city council was urged to sui)ply the town from some other 
quarter, and finally selected Kittanning and Burgoon runs, altout four 
miles west of the city. A twenty-inch pipe l)rings the water frcnn a 
dam at Kittanning Point to a reservoir located on Prospect Hill, 
which has a capacity of 3,275,000 gallons. This improvement cost 
over $200,000. Besides the amount exi)ended for water, $150,000 
were expended for i)utting in sewers and Macadamizing the principal 
streets. Eighth and P^leventb avenues, the principal ones on eacii 
side of the railroad, with the streets adjacent, have been proi)erly 
sewered and Macadamized. [More on this subject hereafter.] 

CENTENNI.^L CELEBRATION. 

Among the notable events in the history of Altoona was the cele- 
bration of the centennial year. In a communication, written by our 
veneval)le and highly-esteemed townsman, H. Fettinger, sr., and pub- 
lished in the Evening Mirror, December 27, 1875, attention Avas 
■called to the propriety and importance of a public demonstration on 
the occasion of the out-going of the last year of the fir.st century of 
our national independence. The suggestion was responded to, and 
in a few days, such was the activity displayed by our leading citizens, 
preparations were made for the grandest demonstration that had ever 
"been witnessed in our Mountain City. We append a truthful and 
graphic narrative of the proceedings as they appeared in the Evening 
Mirror of January 1, 187G. The report was made ))y George J. 
Akers, one of the editors of that paper. We quote : 

" The largest and grandest demonstration ever witnessed in this 
city took place last night, the occasion being the inauguration of the 
centennial year. The outpouring of the people was immense, and 
not an accident occurred to mar the enjoyment of the people. At an 
early hour the streets were thronged with an immense multitude, and 
presented a brilliant and lively spectacle. 

" The doors of the Opera House were thrown open at eight o'clock, 
and in less than twenty minutes it was im}>ossible to obtain standing 
room, and hundreds of persons were compelled to forego the pleasure 
of attending the exercises there. At ten minutes before nine o'clock 
the City Band marched to the Opera House, playing the old familiar 
air, 'Yankee Doodle,' shortly after which the curtain slowly rose. 
Arranged in appropriate order were thirteen little girls representing 
the thirteen original States of the Union, as follows; 



()(> HISTORY OF AliTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY. 

Massachusetts— Miss Mary I'attoii. Delaware— Miss Ketta Sniitli. 

New Haiupslure— Miss Jessie Murray. , Maryland— Miss Eimiia Ofleiiwalder. 

Khode Island— Miss Tillie Smith. | Virginia— Miss .lennic Powel. 

Connecticut — Miss Niiinic Diiwiiian. i North Carolina— .Miss .Vnnie Kerr. 

New Jersey— Miss Maictrie Coont-v. 1 South Carolina— Miss Jennie Smith. 

New York— Miss Katf F. F"ettin.i,'er. Georgia— Miss Clara Wald. 

Pennsylvania— iMiss Kllcu Sliusttn-. i 

"The little ^'ii'ls were dressed in white, with blue sashes, bearing- 
the iiaiHcs of the States represented by them. In the centre of the 
stage stood a beautiful (>veriiTeeii pine tree, representing- the "Tree of 
Liberty," deeorated with thirty-seven small flags, representing all tho 
States now in the Union. The whole arrangement of the stage was 
under the direct supervision of H. Fettinger, sr. The overture on 
the grand piano, by Professor U. S. Tjutz, was ])erformed at al)out ' 
nine o'clock, but it was sometime afterwards that the Altoona City 
Band took their position on the stage, immediately in the rear of the 
'little girls,' and when the curtain rose a second time the band played 
'Hail Colilmliia.' The rising of the curtain was the signal for a 
tremendous burst of applause. After a slight pause the audience again 
'brought down the house' in appreciation of their delight at the beautv 
of the tableau. AVlieu t lie curtain was again raised, the (ilee Club, com- 
])ose<l of the following ladies and genth'Uien. ap[)eared and sung in 
elegant style, 'My Country 'Tis of Thee.' So})rano, Miss Lizzie Sny- 
der and Miss Libbie Hindman; alto. Miss Carrie Bowman and Miss 
Maggie Hindman; tenor, Wm. Mills and T. AV. Wiley: bass, E. M. 
Warren and E. J. Weston; ]>ianist, T'rof. T^. S. IjUtz. 

"His Honor May(»r (lilland, then appeared and said: 'We have 
asseni1)le(l here to-night to celebrate the inauguraticdi of the centen- 
nial year of our indeix'udence as a nation, to honor the memories of 
those who laid down their lives for the blessings of freedom w^hich " 
we, as a i»e(jj)le, now enjoy. They freely jtourecl out their blood to 
cement the Union, and we are hei'e to-night to do them and their 
memories the honor which their deeds so justly merit. There are 
those here who will addr<'ss you. With these few brief remarks I 
wish you oni^ and all a Happy New Veai'.' ' 

"The (Jlee Clul) then saug the 'Red, AVhite and Blue," in excel- 
lent style, after which I). Oi'i' Ah'.Xiinder jimposed three cheers for the 
'l\e(|. White and Blue."' They were given with a will. Rev. C. T. 
Steck then read 'John Adams on the Declaration,' a most appropriate 
selection, and most c.xeellently rendei'ed. Koliert A. Clarke, in a 
clear and distinct Noice, then read the Declaration of Independence. 
The (xlee Club again sang ttie 'Red, White and Blue." th<' audience 
joining in the chorus. A poem relating to the ringing of the memor- 
able Tiiberty Bell on the announcement of the ])assag(' of the Declara- 



HISTORY OF ALTGONA AND BLAIR COUNTY. (it 

tion of Iml('|)cii(lfiicc was read liv Ilt-v. C. T. St»;ck. T\\('. hand tlicii 
vciulcivd the 'Star Si)aiij^lc(l Banner' and tlic ' Med, Wliitc and Blue,'' 
after wliicl) Wni. T^ee Woodcock addressed the audience (»n matters 
rolatinii' to the past and present of our i^'htrious country. Tlie ' Ivock 
of Tjihei-ty' was ne.\t sunu' l)y the Gh'e Chil). At the conchision of 
the sinuinu- the l)and struck uj* ' Yankise Doodle,' and the audience 
joined with hands and feet. Kev. Steck tlien read the stiri'in.n' and 
ai)i)ropriate poem ' E l*luril)us Unum.' Ilev. II. Baker then appeared 
on the St a, ye and made a 1)rief, terse and eht(pn'nt speech. D. H. Wil- 
liams was the ne.xt speaker ; h<' acciuitted himself creditably. The; 
'little uirls' were auain arran.ii-ed alonsz- the front of the staj>-e ; the 
(ilee dull took a jtosition imme(liately behind them; then followed 
the sino'iiio- of the 'Star Sjyan.uled Banner.' J*. S. Ake recited the 
followin.ii' original ai)ostroi)he to t lie American eaj^le : ' The Annn-ic^an 
eaule is the lar<i'est bii'd in the world — with his riyht foot perched on 
the Rocky A[ountains, his left on the Alle.iiheines; with one winj^- 
spi'ead over the Pacilic, the other over the Atlantic; with one eye 
fixed on Mexico, the other on Cuba; his tail spread over Canada, and 
])ickin.a' for all South America; is destined to carry the Stars and 
StrijK's to all the nations of the earth, and freedom to all the iiihalt- 
itants thereof; he can s])read his winffs wi(h'r and soar hiirher than 
any other bird that soars in the heavens. When the eati'le squeals the 
lion trenddes and snakes seek their hidin<i' jilaces.' This concluded 
the in-door exercises. The band struck uj) 'Hail ('olumbia,' amid the 
shouts and yells of the \ast multitude. 

"After tlie exercises in the Opera House had concluded, the dense 
crowd therein assembled jxiured out int(t the streets and swelled the 
immense thrones there coni>-reg'ated. Evei'v door step, balconv, door 
and window alonti' Eleventh avenue was occupied bv persons anxious 
to obtain a better \iew of the proceediniis on the streets. The interval 
from eleven until twelve o'clock was consum<'d in illnminatini;' the 
houses, preparinti' for the pai'ade and u'eneral jollification. 

"About tweh'e o'clock St. .I(din"s Literary Societv. nuniberinii' 
eighty men, attii'ed in re.u-alia, with torches and national colors, niar(di«;d 
down the east side of Eleventh avenue an<l hiiTted in front of Marsh's 
tailoring;- estal)lishment. The Kmpii-e Hook an<l T^adder com|»anv, 
i'ully ('(puiiped and carryiuii' axes and torches, simultaneously inarched 
(htwii the west<-rn side of the avenue, halted opposite Stcdilc's hotel, 
and opened order to allow the (Jood Will En.iiine company to pass 
thron.iih. In the meantime St. John's Society mar«died down to 
Eleventh street, across to the west side of Eleventh avenue, and 



68 



HISTORY OF ALTOO.NA AND BLAIR COUNTY. 



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HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY. ()9 

halted. Thr Latta Guard, headed by their drum eorps, ne.\t luarehed 
uj) Eleventh avenue to Eleventh street and iialte(l ;it the Opera House. 
The E.xcelsiur Hose company apjK-ared at tliis juncture and took a 
position on the avenue, soon after which the Altoona Eng-ine company 
(P. R. R.) marched up Twelfth street to Twelfth avenue, down Twelfth 
avenue to Eleventh street, along Eleventh street to Eleventh avenue, 
and halted ; they were attired in full equipments, bearing axes and 
torches and headed ])y their drum corps. Aids Hamlin and Alexan- 
der having arrived on prancing steeds some time before, busied them- 
selves in forming the line, in which labors they were subsequently 
assisted by Messrs. Cornman, Fries, Hurd, Meyers and Crozier, a.^sist- 
ant aids. During the formation of the line the immense throng of 
|3eople maintained an uninterrupted cheering from one end of the avenue 
to the other. Fire-works were set oft" in profusion, fire-arms discharged, 
and the general enthusiasm was deafening. 

"Precisely at twelve o'clock, midnight, the Vigilant ))ell gave the 
signal, and from every church steeple, from the school houses, shops 
and engine bouses the glad tidings of great joy went forth and rever- 
berated through the atmosphere unto all the inhabitants of our Moun- 
tain City, reminding us that the grandest new year of the closing 
century was being l)orn. Simultaneous with the ringing of the bells, 
the locomotives in the yards of the Pennsylvania Railroad company 
sounded their shrill whistles; the bon-fires on the hills were lighted; 
the cannons on Reservoir and Go.spel hills thundered; various colored 
lights appeared in various parts of the city ; windows were brilliantly 
illuminated, and the whole city was aglow with many colored lights. 
Such a scene was never before seen or heard in the city of Altoona. 
At precisely fifteen minutes past twelve o'clock, Chief Marshal Stewart 
(dashed up Twelfth street on his 'white charger,' and assumed command 
of the i>rocession. In a moment the command w^as given, and the 
procession of over a thousand men were in motion. The uniforms, 
regalias, axes and horns of those composing the parade, sparkled amid 
the glare of the torches. The music served to render the scene more 
impressive. The following was the order of the procession: (1) The 
Chief Marshal, plumed, and wearing a jeweled sash, on a spirited white 
charger, accompanied by his aids; (2) Latta Guards, in full uniform; 
(3) Altoona City Cornet Band; (4) Good Will Steam Fire Engine 
company; (5) Empire Hook and Ladder company; ((>) Mountain 
City Cornet Band; (T) Vigilant Steam Fire Engine company ; (8) 
Excelsior Hose company; (9) Altoona Steam Fire Engine comi)any; 
6 



to HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY. 

(10) St. John's Literary and Benevolent Society; (11) Keystone 
Cornet Band ; (12) Cavalcade of citizens. 

Citizens vied with each other in decorating their resp(!etive resi- 
dences and places of business with bvmting, flags, ensigns, arches, etc., 
in order to adorn the triumph of our arms, to perpetuate a reniem- 
l)rance of our national independence, as well as to exhiint an appi'ecia- 
tion of the superior blessings we enjoy in the "land of the free and the 
home of the brave." 

THE CENTENNIAL FOURTH. 

On the following Fourth of July every house and every street was 
decollated with flags, etc. The ])rocession, compcjsed of military, patri- 
otic personations, the fire department, benevolent and civic societies, 
the employes of our great wm'k-shops, our tradesmen and artisans at 
Avork, each at his particular vocation, mountcil on wagons drawn by 
richly caparisoned horses, and citizens in carriages and on foot, was 
one that was scarcely surpassed anywhere. Even the farmer with his 
hay wagon was represented. Th(^ ])roce8sion, after moving through 
the principal streets and avenues, halted at a stand (greeted- in a 
field belonging to the Pennsylvania Railroad company, in the eastern 
])art of the city, where the immense concourse of people were suitably 
and patriotically addressed l)y Judge John P. Blair, of Indiana county. 
A violent storm at three o'clock p. m., }>ut an end to the gorgeous 
spectacle. 

THE RAILROAD RIOTS. 

The next interesting event — mournfully interesting, we are justified 
in saying, and in striking contrast with the recital immediately pre- 
ceding — was the railroad strike, which originated with the disaffected 
♦■mployes of the Baltimore dz Ohio Kailroad, and extended to the 
])rineipal railroads of the country. Without exhausting time or <)ccu- 
jtying si»aee in explaining the eircunistanc-es wliich le(l to the ince]»tion 
of the strike, presuming that this subject is familiar to our readers, we 
will remark that on July 17, LStT, seventy-five or eighty engines had 
))een congregated at Martinsl)urg, W. Va., a station of the Baltimore 
& Ohio railroad, none of which were allowecl to depart. Col. Faulk- 
ner, with seventy-ti\-e men of the liglit infantry guards, arrived at that 
])oint with loade(l muskets and took charge of one of tlie westward- 
bound freight trains which liad been detained l)y the strikers there. 
He was confronted by the strikers, who had armed themselves with 
all kinds of weapons. On the day mentioned no trains left Baltinnu'e. 



HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY. 1] 

The Governor ordered out the Matthews' jrnards, of Wheeling-, to 
assist in quelling the riot which had l)roken out at that point. Tlu; 
riot having quickly assumed gigantic proportions, on account of i)re- 
concert of action on the part of the strikers, on the ver}^ next (hiy 
(July 18), Governor Matthews called upon the President for Unitxid 
States troops, which were promptly furnished. On July 19 the strike 
became general, extending from Martinsburg to Chicago — riotous pro- 
ceedings being enacted at Parkersburg, W. Va.; Benwood, Columbus 
and New^ark, Ohio; Chicago, etc. The temporary success of the Balti- 
more & Ohio brakemen and firemen there — who were the parties who 
inaugurated the disturbances — encouraged those who occupied relative 
positions in the employ of the Pennsylvania Bailroad company, and 
out of these initiatory i)roceedings grew our own troubles. With this 
preamble, we turn (Uir attention to 

WHAT TRANSPIRED IN ALTOONA. 

On July 19, 1877, our city was thrown into a furore of excitement 
by the announcement that the freight conductors and brakemen on the 
Pennsylvania railroad had struck at Pittsburg — that they not only 
refused to go out Avith their trains when the latter were ready, but 
that they would not let the trains go out. When the strike was. 
inaugurated in the morning, none Init freight conductors and brake- 
men were concerned in it, but at night the freight engineers and tire- 
men joined them. The strikers were in good spirits, and confident 
that all their dc^nauds would be acceded to — that the golden opportu- 
nitv had arrived to lienefit their condition, and that they would take 
advantage of it. A few days {irevious the following order had been 
issued liv Superintendent Pitcairn : 

Pennsylvania Railroad Office of > 

(ienekal \qent .\nn suterintendent pittsburo division, ^ 

PiTTSni'RCi, July lb, 1877. S 

NOTICE TO dispatchers. 

<)i» aiKl al'tor Tluusday, July 19, 1877. two tnilii.s arc to bo luu on Union luul twc/ 
train.s on National Hne tlirougli between Pittsburg anU Altoona, thirty-six cars to a 
train, a puslier from Conemavigh to Altoona. No passenger engines to be run on. 
freight. Balance of trains to divide at Derry, rtrst in first out. Derry to be head, 
quarters eastward where engines will be turned. Between Derry and Pittsburg 
all double-headers, thirty-six cars to a train, or as many as they eau haul, to be in- 
creased or decreased, in the judgment of dispatchers, according to lading in cars. 

Hoi'.EUT Pitcairn, Sujierintendent. 

A single freight train is a locomotive and eighteen cars. The crew 
comprises an engineer, fireman, conductor and three brakemen. What 
is called a "double-header" is a train of thirty-six cars, with an engine 
at each end. Mr. Pitcairn's order diil not provide for an increase in 
the crew in proportion to the increase in the size (^f the train. The 



•72 



HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY. 



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HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY. 73 

men tliouy-ht that a reduction on the first of Juno previous of ten per 
cent, and tlien an increase of one hundred ])er cent, in the lal)or 
required of them was more than they could l)ear. Previous to the 
issuance of tlie order the custom had been to employ four men besides 
the en-rineer and fireman in moving a single train of eighteen cars. 
If the above order had gone into effect an ordinary crew would have 
had to take charge of a train twice the usual size. This would have 
been equivalent to the discharge of every other man, and those retained 
would have had to perform double work. It was the increase in the 
amount of labor, the uncertainty as to who would be discharged and 
Avho retained, combined with the dis.satisfaction created by the June 
reduction in pay that caused the strike. From the Evening Mirror 
of this city, of July 20, Ave extract the following : 

"The strike has not reached this city at this writing. Groups of 
persons, engineers, firemen, brakemen, shop men and others have been 
discussing the affair on the streets since morning. Last night but 
three coal trains arrived from the west in this city, although seventeen 
freight trains generally arrive during the night. Messrs. Robert Pit- 
cairn and Frank Thomson were in the city last night, and in company 
with G. Clinton Gardner, left for Pittsburg at an early hour this 
morning. James McCrea was in the city, also, but left for Harrisburg 
on Philadelphia Express last night. Lieutenant-Governor John Latta 
passed through the city last night to Harrisburg to be on hand in case 
of disturbance. Governor Hartranft being in California. Several 
freiu:ht engineers, firemen and crews refused to take their trains out 
of the city last night and this morning. Representatives from the 
western division are in the city and are in consultation with train 
hands, who say they are not inciting a strike, though they declare 
they will not take a train on the road under the present difficulties. 
Thomas A. Scott passed through to Pittsburg this forenoon. 

MILITARY ON THEIR WAY TO PITTSBURG. 

"At an early period of the morning of July 21, three train loads of 
soldiers, en route to Pittsburg, passed through this city. As they 
entered the depot at this point they were received by a few of the 
railroad employes there collected with expressions of disapproval. 
Thev belonged to the First Division of Philadelphia, and were com- 
posed of the First, Second, Third and Sixth regiments, one thousand 
five hundred men, under the command of Gen. R. M. Brinton. The 
German Hussars and State Fencibles were with them. Pismounted 
cavalry and artillery were noticeable also. At this point four large 



74 HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY. 

boxes of cartridges were put on board. As the trains left the depot 
here the coupling- pins of the engines were pulled five different times. 
One soldier was knocked down for an alleged insult. About two 
hundred railroaders were gathered at the depot, and the opinions ex- 
pressed were as varied as the characters of the men. A stone was 
thrown just as the last train went out, which struck- the side of the 
last engine, and a link was thrown which struck a car. 

STRIKE INAUGURATED. 

"About 10:35 same morning (July 21), about fifty brakemen assem- 
bled in the yard of the railroad company, stopped two trains laden 
with stone, and refused to allow the other engines prepared to take 
the trains on to go out of the gate at the round house. They also 
sent all the shifting engines in but one for passenger use. They 
allowed all passenger trains to pass, jjut refused passage to freights. 

"At 2:50 p. m., as the Hollidaysburg train was hauling out of the 
depot, with some freight trains attached, the strikers cut the train and 
would not allow the engine to proceed until the freight cars were 
placed on a siding. At 5:20 p. m., a train of eight cars, containing 
about four hundred soldiers, under command of Col. H. Kodgers, 
passed through the city, taking supper here. Engineer Philips came 
out on engine Xo. 924, and at the request of the strikers stepped down, 
and Jacob Russell, foreman of the round house, took the engine. 
Engineer James Westfall refused to come down from engine No. 136. 
One striker attempted to uncouple the engines from the train and was 
pierced through the arm by a bayonet in the hands of a soldier. A 
guard was thrown out around the engines, and when the trains started 
several of the guard were pulled off by the strikers. One man Avas 
pulled down and severely beaten, but they all managed to get on. 
After this the train was fired ui)on and stoned by the strikers around 
the depot, but nevertheless succeeded in threading its way out of the 
city en route for Pittsljurg. 

"The members of the striking body disclaimed, with justice to 
themselves, that the stone throwing, etc., Avas done by what is known 
in the city as the 'gut gang,' and not by railroaders." 

THE SHERIFF ISSUES A VERBAL PROCLAMATION. 

In the afternoon, i)revious to this occurrence, Sheriff J. M. Stiffler 
issued a proclamation, verbally, in the depot, requesting the assembled 
multitude to disperse and quietly return to their homes; not to tres- 
pass on any of the railroad company's property; preserve the peace; 



HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY. 75 

leave all trains pass, and not molest or stop enjfineers or cnjrines from 
work, or to molest, in any manner, men in the employ of the Penn- 
sylvania Railroad eompany. 

On the same day Mayor (Jilland issned the following- 

PROCLAMATION : 

To THE Citizens ok Altoona:— As tlu- Cliief Magistrate of this city, I believe it 
to be my duty, under the present circumstances, to caution the citizens and others 
against any unlawful assemblies that may form under the present diftlcultles. I 
trust that all will endeavor to prevent any disturbance that would be detrimental 
to the interests of our city, or to the property of any one while the present excite- 
ment lasts. It is required of all good citizens to be vigilant, and lend their personal 
influence in assisting the city authoritii^s in carrying out that which seems to them 
best for the safety of lives and property. I also request all landlords to close their 
bars until the present excitement subsides. This request I expect to be complied 
with, and if not, those who tlisregard it will be held responsible under the law. Be- 
lieving that our citizens are law-abiding and that we have no occasion to chronicle 
riotous conduct on the part of any one, but that all may be peace and quietness, I 
remain, very truly, «• A. Gilland, Mayor. 

[The above had the desired effect.] 

MEETING AT THE BRANT HOUSE. 

At 7 o'clock, i>. m.. a large number of citizens assembled at the 
Brant House. Col. David Jones introduced, as the first speaker, 
James F. Milliken, who had been colonel of the Fifth regiment, N. G. 
P., and at that time was district attorney of Blair county. Mr. Mil- 
liken said : 

"Gentlemen and Fellow-Citizens :— It has always been to me a 
great pleasure to speak to and for the workingmen, and to defend the 
oppressed and down-trodden. A strike has been inaugurated by you 
against the Penn.sylvania Railroad company. Let me ask for what 
purpose you strike ? Is it to injure the railroad company ? [Cries of 
'No!' 'No!'] No! You strike because of your necessities; be- 
cause your wives and children cry to you for bread — for that which 
you are unable to give. Is this state of affairs attributable to your 
indisposition to work ? This needs no answer. It is attributable to 
the inadetiuency of the pay. Every man not controlled by the Penn- 
sylvania railroad is with you heart and soul. So long as you are or- 
derly, interfering in no man's private business, you will have the sup- 
port of Blair county and Pennsylvania. I was once colonel of the 
Fifth regiment, and, in the past, have encountered a good deal of bad 
luck. I think I strike a good streak just now. And, just here, I 
wish to add one thing. Not one man in the regiment can be com- 
pelled to turn out. If any one turns out voluntarily, you can mark 
him as one who wants to turn out against you. There is nothing in 
the militia law of this Commonwealth which can be construed as 



HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY. 



J. S. BOOTJI. 



M. H. MACKEY. 



EXCELSIOR 

Planing Mill. 



BOOTH & MACKEY 




DERS 



MANXIPACTUr.KIiS OF AND DEALERS IN ALL KINDS OP 

Rough and Dressed Liimber, 

Flooring, Weatherboarding, Sash, Window Frames, Doors, Shutters, 

Blinds, Mouldings, &.C. Scroll Sawing, Turning and Shaping 

in all its branches. 



— WE MAKE A SPECIALTY OF — 



PORCHES, BHY WINDOWS, STORE FRONTS, 

AND STAIR BUILDING. 

All jobbing promptly atteinle.l to an<l neatly done. Having a flist-class Planing 
Will, and getting all qui- material from first liands, we are prepared to con- 
tract (or and put up houses as cheap and as quick as can be done by 
any other linihlers. All work done under the supervision of 
competent foremen. Plans of buildings furnished and 
estimates made on short notice. 



Mill and Office : 9th Avenue, between lltli and 
12tli Streets, Altoona, Pa. 

-•S^For the convenience of those who are employed during the day, the office 
will hf open in the evening, from 7 : 30 to 9 o'clock, where you will find Mr. Mackey 
in waiting. Or you can call on Mr. Booth, at his residence, 6th Avenue, between 9th 
and 10th Streets. Being practical carpenters themselves, all information relative to 
their b\isiness will be carefully as well as cheerfully given. 



HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY. 7T 

conii)iilsorv. In conclusion I would onfVn'cc the axiom: 'United we 
stand, divided we fall.' This is vour time. If the shop men turn 
out now, the Pennsylvania railroad cannot refuse to accede to the de- 
mands of the workmen. You know your rights. Stick to them, and 
you will get what you want, and what you are entitled to — a fair 
day's wages for a fair day's work. I am with you heart and soul. 
If you want a friend you will find one in Jim Milliken ! Good night." 

Colonel Jones followed Mr. Milliken in a sju'ech which substanti- 
ally covered the same ground, rendering its publication or even an 
abstract unnecessary. 

He was followed in turn V)y Frank P. Tierney, whose appear- 
ance was greeted with cheers, and who was heard with respectful at- 
tention. He said : " My countrymen ! You have refused to remain 
longer in the employment of the Pennsylvania Railroad company at 
the wages you have Ijeen receiving. It is, undoubtedly, your right 
to demand from your employers such wages as would justify you in 
remaining in its employ. Should the company decline to accede to 
your demand, you are justified in continuing out of its service as arti- 
sans or workmen. This is a right which, under the law, you can ex- 
ercise ; but in doing so, 3^ou must exercise that right with a jealous 
regard to the rights of others. You must cast your eyes upon the 
written and well-recognized law which governs us all in the enjoy- 
ment of our rights, and by it be governed. Therefore, gentlemen, 
you had better reflect well what you are doing before taking any rash 
step, for you must never forget that those Avho disregard the law 
must, in the end, come to grief. If you desire, therefore, to succeed 
in obtaining your object, it will only be accomplished by legal and 
proper means — by observing and respecting the rights of all under 
the law. I therefore appeal to you to use only such means to obtain 
the end you seek. I also appeal to our citizens who are not in the 
employ of the railroad company, to give to you a helping hand by 
the use of legitimate means. And I further appeal to the railroad of- 
ficials, if there be any present, to aid, as soon as possible, in securing 
an increase of wages for the workmen. In the dark hours of the 
panic these gentlemen stood faithfully by you, and, as times improve 
they will see, as far as they can, that your patience will be rewarded. 
Their interests are identical Avith yours. Gentlemen, I thank you 
for this mark of your confidence and respect. I bid you good night.'" 

In response to urgent and repeated calls, Thomas H. Greevy, 
stepped on the improvised platform (store box) and addressed his 
fellow-citizens. The following is a synopsis of his remarks: "In 



18 HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY. 

an assembly like this it is impossible for me to say thino:s to suit 
everybody. Thus, I am at a loss to know what to say. As a general 
thing I do not believe in strikes. A strike is a means which should 
only be used as a last resort. I am not sufficiently familiar with your 
demands to make a suitable speech. But I am familiar with the pre- 
carious condition of the workingmen all over the country, Avho labor 
for a mere pittance — scarcely sufficient to keep themselves and families 
from starving. I know that you, workingmen, have the sympathy of 
all the people including those high in authority in this city. I sym- 
pathize with you, but you must preserve the peace ; you must not vi- 
olate the law, for in case you do the State will bring all its machinery 
to bear upon you. There is one other point to which I will direct 
your attention. No strike has ever succeeded where violence was re- 
sorted to. Violence was invariably met by violence, and ended in 
the discomfiture of the strikers. Let me warn you — the man who 
advises you to break the peace, to destroy public or private property, 
is not your friend." 

PATROLLING THE STREETS. 

During the evening and night the Latta Guard patrolled the 
streets for the protection of private propert}' and the maintenance of 
law and order. The streets were thronged with an excited crowd. 
The latter portion of the night passed quietly, however, no freight 
trains running east or west to demand the attention of the strikers. 

SUNDAY THE CULMINATING POINT OF THE EXCITEMENT. 

Next day, Sunday, July 22, was characterized by the shriek of 
the fife, the rattle and roll of the drum, the marching of armed troops 
through our heretofore quiet city, the rapid movements and cheering 
of men, the scream of the locomotive whistle, all strangely intermingled 
with the solemn tones of the church l)ells. 

About 9 o'clock in the morning ten car loads of troops, aggregat- 
ing about five hundred, compo.'ied of parts of the First, Second, 
Third, Fifth, Sixth and Twelfth regiments, under the command f)f 
(Tcneral Beaver, arrived in this city, and immediately i)ulled up to the 
upper end of the yard. Here breakfast was served to them, and their 
■engine was backed into the upper round house. The strikers then 
■closed the gates of the round house yard and refused to allow an en- 
gine to go out to take the troops to rittsl)urg. A detachment of 
Company B, Twelfth regiment, of Williamsport, Rolx'rt M. Fores- 
man, captain, under the conunand of Col. Stead, was detailed to take 
■an engine from the round house. They marched up to the round 



HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY. t9 

house gate, where tliey were faced and surrounded by about u hun- 
dred cool and determined strikers. They were eoniiK>lli'd to halt 
within six feet of the g'ate, and a))out a half (U)zen of tiie raih'oad 
men stepped into the ranks and laid hold of muskets in the hands of 
the soldiers who (piietly and not unwillinji'ly yielded their arms. 
Fearing the utter demoralization of his command, Captain Foresnum 
faced the crowd and attempted to (h-ive back the more venturesome^ 
at the point of his sword, when a huge stone was thrown which 
struck him back of the right ear, i)rostrating him. The gash was one 
inch and a half long and of considerable depth. Sergeant Osborne (xif-- 
fonl received two cuts on the head from stones. For awhile the af- 
fair looked serious. The strikers, on learning that more troops had 
l)een detailed to })rocure an engine, and were nuirching towards the 
round house, rushed into the yard and "spiked" engines Nos. 50(5, 
123 and 20fi, by taking off driving rods, drawing the sand, water and 
tire, letting the steaiu escape and soaping the boxes. The troops 
started to march to the gates, but, concluding that it would be useless 
to attempt to get an engine, and that even if they did, no engineer 
could be found to take it out, marched 1)ack to their train. From 
the train the entire body of troops, with the exception of a guard at 
the train, marched to the Pennsylvania railroad depot and stacked 
arms. The soldiers and strikers then commingled in friendly inter- 
course. 

Though not allowed to go west, the soldiers were permitted to re- 
turn to their homes in the east if they chose. Company G, of Phil- 
adelphia, and squads of other companies, took advantage of that and 
left for home in the evening. 

MEETING OF THE RAILROAD MEN. 

On the morning of the following day (Monday, July 23,) a meet- 
ing of the railroad men was held, and it was unanimously agreed to 
protect both private and public property at all hazards. 

A committee of workingmen also waited on G. W. Strattau in the 
morning and requested him to close the upper shops, which he did. 
The lower shops were also closed. 

citizens' MEETING. 

In the morning also, by the advice of prominent citizens, placards, 
signed by Mayor Gilland, were posted in every conspicuous place in 
the city, calling a meeting of all the citizens at the Opera House to 
be held at 3 o'clock p. m. Before the appointed hour arrived the 
house was crowded- The Mayor opened the meeting by announcing 



80 HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY. 

"WILLIAM W. YON, 



— DEALER IN 



Groceries and: Provisions, 

FLOUR, FEED, ETC. 



WOOD, WILLOW, GLASS, CHINflmQUEENSWHRE., 



SEGARS AND TOBACCO. 



Country Produce Bought and Sold. 

ITth Street, between lOtli and lltli AA'ennes, 

ALTOONA, PA. 

J. A. CANAN & CO., 

Margaret Avenue and lOtli Sti'eet, Altoona, 



H AVE THE LARGEST STOCK OF 



TERRA GOTTA 

DRAIN PIPE, 

FIRE CLAY FLDES, CHIMNEY TOPS, LAWN VASES, PEDESTALS, Etc, 

EveroffereO in Altoona, wliich tliey are now selling at greatly reduced prices. Hav- 
ing their own Lime Kilns located in the city, tliey are always prepared to^ 
furnish their customers with fresh lime. They have also on hand, 
Cleveland Lime, White Sand, Duncansville and Hill Sand, Cal- 
cined Plaster, Cements, Plastering Hair, Shingles, etc. 
Agents for Granite Koofing. 



Also— Flour, Feed, Hay, Straw, Coal, Wood,, Salt. 

TELEPHONE CONNECTIONS. 



HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY. 81 

his purpose ia calling- it. He said a great burden Lad l)eeii laid on 
his shoulders, and that he wanted to do right by all, both the work- 
ingmen and the company, and if he failed it would not ))e his fault. 
He concluded: "I want you to act as men and good citi/.ens, and 
not as roughs and rioters. I have sworn in a numl)er of policemen 
and I want you to stand l)y them. I called this meeting through a 
pure motive and trust it will be so regarded." 

D. K. Ramey was made President, and Samuel S. Goodnum and 
Hon. J. W. Curry, Vice Presidents. A. F. Kerr, G. S. Handin and 
N. C. Barclay were elected Secretaries. 

Xhe President made a few remarks, the substance of which was 
that the difficulty would soon be settled ; that he had no hand in 
bringing it about and hoped the workingmen would get justice. 

H. H. Herr stated that he understood that some railroad men had 
an idea that this meeting had been called to oppose the strikers, but 
it was not so. It was merely to organize so as to be able to meet 
emergencies and protect property and prevent bloodshed. He thought 
that the troops were the persons to be feared and not the railroad 
men whose interests lay in this city, both in public and private prop- 
erty. 

Hon. J. W. Curry was called upon, who said that the laborer was 
worthy of his hire, and that every good citizen and laborer should 
protect his employer, and such employer, in turn, should protect the 
laborer. Every man is responsilile to God for his own acts and not 
for the acts of others. We are called on as individuals to protect 
ourselves, not from any man in this house, or any workman what- 
ever, Init from outsiders alone. I would trust any man in this house 
with my life and proi)erty. It is the tramps we have to fear ; they 
are the ones who would do the tiring, stealing and murdering. It is 
your right and my right to protect ourselves, and to each and every 
man it becomes a duty to protect the others. We depend upon the 
railroad company for what we get, and when we have difficulties to 
settle let us do so at the proper tribunal. I move, Mr. President, 
that five hundred policemen be apitointed and sworn in. 

George J. Akers said that the same emergency did not e.xist in 
our city that did in Pittsburg. Xo Philadelphia soldiers were here 
to shoot down our wives and children as they did in Pittsl)urg. We 
are law-abiding citizens, and I am certain that with five hundred po- 
licemen to guard us we can go to our beds to-night in peace and there 
sleep in safety. If the men conduct themselves properly they will 



82 HISTOEY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY. 

impel the company to accede to their justifiable and rightful demands. 
[Applause and cries "That's so !" etc.] 

Major Richard J. Crozier followed. He said it was not the rail- 
road men that destroyed the company's property at Pittsburg. He 
thought there was not a man in the house who would do the least 
harm to the property of the company or that of citizens. 

William B. Blake desired to be informed whether the ])olicemen 
would get any compensation or not. The Mayor replied that he 
could not answer the (piestion, as the city was deeply in debt now, 
and he had no authority nor the desire to lay any further burthen 
upon taxpayers. He could not say whether the company would pay 
them or not. H(^ further stat^^l that n<'arly all those appointed five 
hundred had volunteered their services. 

Simon Hawk, an enginetn' on the Middle division, stated that he 
had jn'esided at a railroad meeting this morning, in this city, and 
that almost one hundred men were present, each and every one of 
whom ex])ressed themselves as going to, sworn in or not, protect all 
property at any hazard. He concluded: "We did not strike, ))ut 
we of the Middle division are afraid of our lives and dare not go out 
on an engine, l)ut since we are "out" we want our rights and are 
going to have them." [Ai)plause.] 

Mayor Gilland said the police were to be put in all the wards of 
the city, those in the lower wards to be under the control of Andrew 
Kipple, and those in the upper wards under Thomas I. McKiernan. 
The nn'cting then adjourned. 

MEKTIN(J OF THE SHOP MEN. 

In the evening of th(^ same day a meeting of the shop men was 
held in the Opera House. Some three hundred persons were present. 
Capt. J. W. Dougherty was elected President, and Capt. E. M. War- 
ren, Secretar\'. The following named gentlemen were appointed a 
committee to draw up a series of resolutions: M. J. McCoy, P. O'Hare, 
W. B. Blake, E. M. Warren and Robert Hudson. They went into 
session and soon returned with th<» following resolutions: 

Resolved— That we, the I't'iinsylvmiia railroad i-iiiployes of tli(^ sliops .situated 
at Altoona, desire and claiiii the saiiu' wafjers we receiv<Ht prior to the Ist of June, 
1S77. And he it further 

Kksolved— That no discharge or suspensions occur to any one wlio participated 
in the jn-esent diflieuUy. And be it further 

Uesolved— That tliis action ot tlie sliop men is taken on account of recommen- 
dations of liish Pennsj'lvaTiia railroad otticials, and what we consider good and 
wi.se counsel. "" 



HISTORY OP ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY. 83 

Kksolved— That we lioartlly sympathize with all persons interested in the pres- 
ent clitHculty, and deplore the loss of life and property in Pittsbiir;^, and will do 
what we can to prevent a similar occurrence in our midst. 

fSigneil] M. J. MeCOY, I'res't, 

P. O'HARE, 
W. B, BLAKE, 
E. M. WAIIUEN, 
ROBERT HUDSON. 

The above resolutions were adopted. 

A motion was made that the cliairman ai)point a committee of 
three to present the resohitions to General Superintendent G. Clin- 
ton Gardner, which was carried, and M. J. McCoy, W. B. Blake and 
J. B. Harkins were ai)i>ointed such committee. On motion ad- 
journed to meet in the ()i)era House ne.xt morning at 10:30 o'clock. 

AD.JOURNED MEETING. 

In pursuance of announcement made, an adjourned meeting' was 
promptly held at the Opera House at 10:30 o'clock on the 2-ith of 
July. The house was crowded with orderly and attentive shop men. 
The meeting was called to order by Capt. E. M. Warren, Secretary, 
who announced the ol)ject of thv. meeting. In the absence of some 
of tlu! officers previously elected, Wm. Fortenliaugh was called to 
the chair, Thomas Miller elected Vice President, and Martin Lewis, 
Assistant Secretary. Before taking his seat Mr. Fortenbaugh ad- 
dressed the audience, saying that Ik* hoped that peace, good order 
and harmony would prevail. "There will be uunnentous (juestions," 
he .^^aid, " for your decision, and it is (Essential that a, calm spirit exist." 

M. J. McCoy, chairman of the committee ap}»ointed the previous 
evening to wait on Mr. Gardner, presented the resolutions, and 
w(n-e rcH'cived kindly. Mr. Gardner expressed himself as a consist- 
ent friiaid of the working man, which he had shoAvn all through the 
])anic in scouring the whole country to get work to be done here in 
the shops. He had done for them all that was in his power. He 
further said that he could not, at this short notice, give the men a 
definite answer ; he eould not negotiate between the workmen and 
high officers, und all that he could do was to obey orders. Under 
sucli circumstiUices he could not assure the men anything. He 
would forward their resolutions, with remarks of his own. He ex- 
pnsssed solicitation for the property of the company, and the commit- 
tee ass\ired him that it would be protected. The committee further 
expressed their entire confidence in Mr. Gardner, and their belief that 
he would do all in his power to bring al)out a satisfactory solution. 

Capt. E. M. Warren advised tiie men to lie careful. He knew of 
some dissatisfaction among the iiien, but hoji-'d tliey would ])ursue a 



84 HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY. 

E. H. KEYES, 



DEALER IN — 



GentsTurnishing Goods, 

HATS, CAPS, TRUNKS, VALISES, ETC. 
Eleventh Avenue and Seventeenth Street, Altoona, Pa. 



MANUPACTURER OF 



AND WHOLESALE AND RETAIL DEALER IN ALL KINDS OF MANUFAC'TrRED 



RUDOLPH LUEBBERT, 

MANUPi 

CIGARS, 

AND WHOLESALE AND RETAIL DEA 

TOBACCO. 

NO. lllO ELEVENTH AVENUE, ALTOONA. 

PROP. R. C. WARD, 

TEACHER OF 

Organ, Piano,;Voice Culture, Harmony, 

COMPOSITION, AND DIRECTOR OF MUSICAL CONVENTIONS. 

Also, Agent for Sheet MusicJ(Music Uooks, etc. Office with Prof. R. B. MiihatTey, 

8th Avenue^ and 12th Street, Altoona. 
L 



K. ORR, 



— DEALER IN 



J^ MTHRlClTE ^ ND g lTUMINOUS Q oflLS 



/OOD, ETC. 

itli, ami other kind-* ot ] 
)ving property, will do 

Corner 11th Av nue and 4th Street, Altoona. 



Liine, Sand, Posts, Shingles, uth, and other kind-* ot Lumber. Those who contem- 
plate bnikling, or improving property, will do well to give me a call. 




JAMES STEWART PrtKNc-LL.- -r.r. 

I 



HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY. 85 

\vir;e course. It would l)e lU'itlicr hravo nor iniuily to (Ifiuaiid more 
than they demanded two months previously, nor more than was de- 
manded in the resolutions of the })receding meeting. Now that the 
con^pany was in trouble was no reasijn to think that the more we de- 
nuind the more we will get. There is a probability that we may get 
what we denumd, but it is a mere probability. If we demand too 
iiiueh the prol)ability is that the company will either close the shoj)s 
for months or secure the services of other men to run them, which 
could be done. 

On motion the report of thr committee was received, and the 
committee discharged with the thanks of thi- workingmen. 

Mr. Fields, of the Seventh ward, moved that the resolutions 
adopted the previous evening be rescinded and the resolutions of th<' 
Harrisburg railroaders be adoi)ted. The motion was seconded, but 
so, also, was a motion to adjourn, which latter motion was put and 
lost. Mr. Fields then renewed his motion to rescind the resolutions, 
remarking that they had ))een passed by a meeting of about one hun- 
dred boys and citizens who were not workmen in the shops. "Sup- 
pose," he said, "we do get back our ten jjcr cent. — it is only eight 
cents a day, and then the company will take an hour off the day, and 
we will lose twice eight cents." The motion was seconded by John 
H. Speece. 

Capt. J. W. Dougherty, chairman of the former meeting, said : 
"The resolutions of last night are now in the hands of the railway 
officials. These resolutions represent our demands, and to rescind 
them is manifestly out of order. We cannot, consistently, at this 
period of time, frame and pass another series of resolutions. I deny 
that the meeting referred to by Mr. Fields had been composed of 
boys and citizens who were not workmen. On the other hand, I as- 
sert that the meeting consisted of a house full of the most responsible 
and. respectable workingmen of this city." 

Wilbur B. Blake suggested that if we send another set of reso- 
lutions, which cannot be otherwise than similar to those already 
adoi)ted, the railroad authorities will conclude that we do not know 
what we do want, and, consequently, will take notice of neither. 
Then we will get nothing. Mr. Blake also denied the truth of the 
statement that the previous meeting had been composed of boys and 
citizens who were not workmen. 

Several of the representative workingmen spoke against any 
change in the character or wording of the resolutions, and united in 
7 



86, HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY. 

denying' tliat the previous iiieeting- was composed of any other thaiK 
workingmen. 

These eahner counsels prevailed, and a motion to adjourn was. 
overwhelmingly carried. 

[By way of ])arentliesis we will say that about this time Presi- 
dent Haves issued a proclamation admonishing all good citizens of 
the United States against aiding, countenancing, abetting or taking, 
part in riotous ])roceeding"S.] 

ARRIVAL OF OOVERNOR H.\RTRANFT. 

Governt)r Hartranft, accom])anied by Secretary Quay, arrived in' 
this city on the morning of July 25. Upon the arrival of the train, 
an hour behind time, a crowd of several hundred citizens had assem^ 
bled in front of the Logan Hou.se, evidently with the expectation of 
hctarinii- an elaborate speech. After partaking of breakfast the Gov- 
ernor ])roceeded to his car, from the rear end of which he delivered' 
the followintr : 

" (tentlemen ,\ni) Fellow-Citizens: You have called' upon me- 
for an address. T shall make a short one. I, as chief executive of 
the State, am placed in a very unpleasant position. I shall endeavor 
to render exact justice to all so far as lies within my power. I shall 
execute the laws of the State actcording to the laws. I shall endeavor 
to protect all citizens, as well as public and private property, and 
should I fail it will be because I am ])owerless. I bid you good day." 

Shortly after, the train, conv<'ying the Goviumor and Secretary 
to Harrisburg, moved oft", and the crowd dispersed. 

In this connection, whatever bearing or su]i])os<'d l)earing it may 
have had ujion the city of Altoona, we append a proclamation from 
Governor Hartranft : 

PiTTSBURQ, July 2.1, 1877. 
TO THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF PENNSYLVANIA : 

Wheheas, There exists a condition of turbulence and disorder within the State^ 
extendinji; to many interests, and threatening all eonnnunities. under the impulse 
of whioli tlier<' has i^rown nj) a spirit of lawlessness requirinij; that all law-obeying' 
citizens shall organize themselves into armed l)odies for the p\irposes of self-pro- 
tection and preserving the peace : 

Therefore, I, John F. Hartranft, Governor of the State of Pennsylvania, da 
hereby recommend that all citizens shall organize themselves into associations- 
with sncli arms as they i-nn procure, for the iiuriiose of maintaining order andi 
suppressing violence. And all good citizens are warned against appearing in 
company with any mob or riotous assembly, and thus giving encouragement to 
violations of the law. 

[Signed] J. F. HARTRANFT, Gove-unok. 



HISTORY OF ALTOONA ANT) BLAIR COUNTY. 87 

A RUMOR rAl.rULATEl) FURTHER TO KXCITH I'HK PdPULAOK. , 

Oil July 2.") a riiiiKU' was current that a hand of niincrs from th(! 
ii('ip,-hhorhood of Houtzdalo, and oth(T luiuiuu' t'owlTs, thorou^-hly 
armed, were inarchin,a' upon Alloona, in eonscMHience of which Sheriff 
Stiftier immediately swore in a posse of nearly one hundred men, 
and placed th(>ni under command of ('apt. (inthrie. The miners, 
however, failed to make their a])j)(!uranee. 

"CAMP REAVER." 

The main body of soldiers were encam])ed near Ha,irpM"ty's woods, 
in F. K. K. passenger cars, tiieir place of rendezvous being styled 
" Cami) Beaver," while a consideral)le number made their head(|inir- 
ters in cars on Tenth avenue, opj)osite the round house. 

(iRANI) JURY PRESENTMENT. 

The court being in session at Ho!lidaysV)urg on this day, the fol- 
lowing presentment was made : 

'We, the granfl .inty. inqniring in iiiid for Blair eouiity, woiilil respect fuUy rep- 
resent concerning the disorders at Altoona within the last few days, that we have 
no personal knowledge of per.sons engaged therein. We are informed and l)elieve 
that persons of tlie nninher of three or four have, in a tuniultnou.s, disorderly and 
riotous nnianer, with force, stopped the trains running on the I'ennsylvania rail- 
load, and have Ijy threats and violence prevented engineer.s, firemen and brake- 
men from ojierating trains. But this information is not from per.sonal obiservation 
of any one of ns ; noi' is it from witnesses duly sworn, l)ut only from rumor, or 
from statements made in the public newsjiapers. We liave not tlie names of tliose 
engaged in such di'^tnrbance, nor is it in our power this sitting (so far as we can 
jntlge) to obtain precise and reliable testimony as to the names of guilty parties, 
and to the extent of their guilt, which wouhl wai'rant a presentment. While anx- 
ious to aid in preserving the peace luid good name of our county by promptly tak- 
ing cognizance of violations of the law within its borders, we iire of the opinion 
that unless our sessions be indefinitely postponed by adjournment from ilay to 
day to allow for the hunting up anci subpfenaing witnesses and execution of sum- 
mary process for their attendance, it is impossible at this session of tlie court to 
make that proper presentment as to crimes and criminals, and dates, whicli would 
be snfticieut to warrant the arrest of t)ie ortenders. At present there is (luiet and 
order at Altoona, and as we believe the late violations of law will not be repeated, 
therefore, unless the court is of the oi)inion that our services in session should be 
prolonged after the conclusion of ordinary business, we respectfully request that 
we may be discliarged.'" 

ROUTIN(i OF TRAMPS. 

About fifty tramps were driven out of Haggerty's woods, in the 
immediate neighb(M'hood of Altoona, on the morning of July 2fi, in 
consequence of htiving, it is alleged, bri»ken open a c^n* containing to- 
bacco, segars, etc., wliich they ajjproju'iated to their own use, and 
also because it was believed that they were inciting to riot all w liom 
thev could, being ready thems<'Ives, upon any pretext, to pounce ui)on, 
burn and phnider everything in their way. 



88 



HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR (X>UNTY. 



H. J. CORNMAN, 



— DEALER IN 



H 



)r\ j[ 



N 



VJ 



REIDY-MS 



H 



V 



GENTS' FURNISHING GOODS, 

TRUNKS, VALISES, ETC. 

Suits, Sliirts and Hats 

Made to Order 

NO, HOT ELEVENTH AVENUE, 



OPPCiSITE OPERA HOUSE, 



ALTOONA, PA. 



HISTORY OF AT/rOONA AND RLAIR COUNTY. 89 

VETERAN soldiers' ORCi ANIZATK »N. 

Ill pursuniicc of a call froiu a coniiiiittci' of veteran soldiers, a 
nioetiiiii- of v<»tei'ans was held in the eouneil chainber in the cvniiiin-, 
F. B. Stewart, chairman, and J. D. Davis and J. (». Ilirsli, secre- 
taries. Capt. E. M. Warren was elected captain, l)y acclamation ; 
Geor<i-e H. Gwin, first lieutenant, and B. J. Brown, second lieuten- 
ant. The followinii' i)reamble and resolution were passed : 

Whereas, This city is in a state of coiniiiotion, aii<l, as wt- think, in (laiif^ciol" 
violence, an<l as it becomes tlie duty of good citizens to protect life and proix^rty. 
thei-efoi-e, be it 

Resolved— That we. as soldiers of the late war. organize ourselves into on«^ or 
two companies to act under proper oflicers to be elected by ballot, to obey s\u'li or- 
ders as may be given by proper authorities. 

C. J. WOJ.F. 
K. .1. CKOZIEK, 
E. M. WAKREN, 
J. W. FRIES. 

FIRING UP ENGINES. 

On the morninj^- of the 27th four eniriiK's were fired up to take 
frei,L>'ht trains out, but after some fort}' en.ii'ineers and the same num- 
l)(-r of lii'cmen had been asked to go out and n^fuscd, the fires were 
withdrawn and the engines returned to the upper round house. 

ADDITIONAL TROOPS EN ROUTE FOR PITTSBURCi. 

This morning (2Tth), on Cincinnati west, 1,000 soldiers of the N. 
(t. Pa., passed through Altoona to Pittsburg, with the vi(>w of open- 
ing the P. R. R. freight travel. Three sections of the train stojjpecl 
in this city for breakfast, or rather for coffee and sandwiches, after 
which they started for the west. Among the party was Governor 
Hartranft and staif, and other distinguished gentlemen. The troops 
were detained at the upper end of the yard by a report that a s(]ua(i of 
strikers had taken engine No. 524 up the mountain with the avowed 
purpose of starting it down the mountain to eolfide with the traiii. 
But it was afterwards ascertained that most of the strikers had 
jumped off" at the foot of the mountain, and the rest took the engine 
up as far as Gallitzin where it was surrendered to Supervisor (iilson. 

About 12:o0 two trains of United States troops arrived in the des- 
pot under the command of Major Hamilton, about six hundred in 
number. 

The second soldier train left this city with S. Arthur Hand, of 
Philadelphia, (a soldier) as engineer of the first engine, and Captain 
Statler, of Bedford, as second engineer. Both firemen were also sol- 
diers. 



1)0 HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY. 



CLEARING THE DEPOT. 



Ten soldiers, uikUt a lieutenant, marched through the depot, 
clearing everything before them, allowing nobody to remain. All 
freight trains in the yard were moved east this morning. 

ARRIVAL OF ELEVEN CARS OF TROOPS. 

At 11:50, on July 28, a section of five cars, followed at an interval 
of about ten minutes by another section of six cars, arrived in Al- 
toona. They contained detachments of the First, Second, Third and 
Si.xth regiments N. G. Pa. They were on their Avay to join their 
commands — the Twentieth n^giment, under comnumd of Col. Bonna- 
fon. The men numbered si.x hundred. They were served Avith ra- 
tions, and after a rest of an hour took their departure. The Twen- 
tieth regiment was composed entirely of veterans of the late war, who 
had been recruited on State service for a few days previous to their 
arrival here in Philadelphia. The merchants of that city had sub- 
scribed $10,000 to equip them. 

STRIKE ENDED. 

On Monday, July 30, 1877, the strike ended in this city. Freight 
trains, both east and west, including Hollidaysburg branch, were run- 
ning the same as before. Workmen returned to their places in the 
shops that morning. The curling smoke of industry again wafted 
skyward, and the l)uzz of the machinery was again heard in and about 
the shops of the Pennsylvania Railroad comi)anv. 

THE STRIKE AT TYRONE. 

At a meeting held by the engineers, firemen and ))rakemen of thi; 
Tyrone In-anch roads, on the evening of July 23, a committee was 
appointed to confer with Superintendent Blair, and to lay their case 
before him in the form of resolutions passed ))y them which set forth 
certain demands made upon him. To these Mr. Blair could giv<' no 
definite reply until he had held a consultation with General Superin- 
tendent G. Clinton Gardner, of Altoona, and that he (Blair) under 
the present circumstances was in no condition to help them. Tlie 
committee received but little satisfaction. 

On account of the strike in Harrisburg no empty cars from there 
could be run into Tyrone, nor from any other points ; conse(piently 
work was suspended as though a strike existed. The passenger trains 
continued to run as usual on the branches, however, but no freight. 
It had been resolved that no more troops would be allowed to pass 



HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIK COUNTY. 91 

oviT thf hriiiicli road, nor to remove those tliat were tliere, con- 
sisting- of two eonipanies of the Twelfth reiiinient, X. G. Pa., who 
were kept for tlie proteetion of the town. But on July 25 they 
were joined l)y two Other eoiiipaiiies of the Twelfth retrinient from 
Bradford county, who came hy way of Lock Haven, and, in ohedienec 
to order.-^, they all eniharked on a special train and were taken to Eliz- 
abeth Furnace, from which place they marched and joined their <'om- 
rades in "canij)" at the lower shops, arriving' al)out 4 o'ckwk the fol- 
lowing niorniny. 

CONCLAVE OF KNIGHTS TEMPLAK. 

Beginning- on the 2yth and ending- on the 30tli of May, 1S78, the 
Annual Conclave of the Grand Commandery of Knights Templar of 
Pennsylvania, convened in this city. Thirty-five subordinate coni- 
inanderies were in attendance. A grand parade that was to have oc- 
4'urred on the last day of the session, was i)revented by a heavy fail 
of rain. 

The Grand Commandery of Knights Templar of Pennsylvania, 
met in Altoona, June 12, 1865, a detachment of which received Gen- 
.eral Grant on his visit to this city. 

In this connection we remark that the Twenty-first Triennial Con- 
, clave of the Grand Encampment of the United States, met in the city 
of Chicago, on August 16, 1880. The Mountain Commandery, 
No. 10, of Altoona, sixty Sir Knights and twenty ladies, James P. 
.Stewart, Eminent Commander, were in attendance. 

RELIEF FOR IRELAND — RECEPTION OF MR. PARNELL. 

On the evening of February 12, 1880, in the Opera House, Jame.s 
iStewart Parnell (see portrait) a member of the English Parliament, 
delivered an address for the benefit of those who were suffering from 
the famine at that time existing in Ireland. He was accompanied 
by Mr. Murdoch, editor of the Inverness (Scotland) "Highlander." 
A committee of our citizens had been appointed to meet him at 
Huntingdon and escort him to Altoona. The committee consisted of 
the following gentlemen, although one-half of them, on account of 
other engagements, failed to serve: Charles E. Pugh, John Reilly, 
Thomas W.Hurd, Thomas H. Greevy, S. M. Woodcock, Milton 
Alexander, T. N. Ely, H. C. Dern, William P. Furey, T. J. Maitland, 
W. D. Tyler, M. Fitzharris, Edmund Shaw, George W. Strattan, F. 
P. Tierney, D. A. Gilland, John Hard, A. Y. Dively, Dennis Sulli- 
van, T. Blair Patton, Charles J. Mann, Simon Neuwahl, H. J. Corn- 
jnan, James G. Flanigan, M. Edgar King, Thomas W. Jackson, 



92 HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY. 

CITY 

Planing Mills, 

20th Sti'eet, on Bi'ciiieh Raili'oad, 

ALTOONA, PA. 

" " - f 

WILLIAM STOKE & CO., Proprietors. 



Tlio f xtonf^ive cquiiimt'iit of tlie nld P.;<iplfs' Pl!iiiin« Mill, piii-clmsod by us, being: 
coinph-tc in cvt^ry vt'spoft, enables n.s to furnisli 

Sashes, Doors, 

Blinds, Shutters, 

Flooring, Siding, 

moulding, brflgkets, frsme lumber, 

Shingles, Pickets, Etc., 

AT THE 

LOWEST MAEKET PRICE. 



Htair Building and Stoi'e Fronts a Specialty, 



HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY. 93". 

Christ. Hauser, Fred. W. Olmcs, Henry Fettinji-er, sr., and James- 
Kearney. [The last named o-entl(>man was the first to suj>-o-("st the 
idea of obtaining- the services of Mr. rarnell..] 

On the arrival of the train a larti'e number of citizens had eongre- 
gated to take the first look at the " Irish a,u-itat(»r." The Altoona 
band was also there and rendered stirring- music, after which the vis^ 
itors were loudly cheered. 

On the night of the meeting Thomas W. Hurd;, then mayor of the 
city, was selected as president, and a number of prominent citizens^ 
as vice-presidents and secretaries. 

William P. Furey, having been selected for the purpose, intro- 
duced Mr. Parnell to the audicnct'. In doing so he inade a neat and! 
appropriate extemi)oraneous speech. 

Mr. Parnell review<'d the infamcjus policy of the English govern- 
ment toward Ireland, as illustrated in the Irish land laws, jjicturing 
the absolute degradation which fcjr ages had been the lot of the Irish 
tenantry under the iniquitous landlord system. In clear and forcibh^ 
language he stated the causes which have i-educed the i)easantry to a 
condition of pauperage and driven the native ])opulation from the fer- 
tile and productive lands to seek a miserable subsistence upon l)arren 
and unproductive wastes. His utterances throughout were those of 
a statesman and thinker, and th(^ audience was pleased and gratified.. 

When Mr. Parnell concluded his address, Mr. Furey introduced' 
Mr. Murdoch, who, clad in the costume of the highlanders of Scotland,, 
delivered a humorous but none the less effective oration. 

A considerable amount of money was then contriljuted, one per- 
son, Hon. John Rcilly, donating $100, and other citizens manifestec? 
their interest by liberal contril)utions. Rev. Father Walsh, now de- 
ceased, contributed $500 out of his private purse, and the St. John's 
Literary Society ai)propriated $48.40, (£10>all' of which sum^ com- 
bined (expenses of renting Opera House, etc., deducted) aggregated 
$1,584.57. This amount was promptly forwarded to the sufferers by 
Rev. Father Walsh, receipts of which were duly acknowledged. Mr.. 
Parnell and Mr. Murdoch declined compensation for their labors and 
would have even paid their hotel l)ills had the management of their 
reception allowed them to do so. 

CENTRAL PENNSYLVANIA CONFERENCE OF THE M.. E. CHURCH. 

The twelfth annual session of this body of Christian ministers 
was held in the Opera House, commencing on the 10th of March^ 
1880. Bishop Gilbert Haven, whose death occurred; previoii.-; to the- 



?)4 HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY. 

iiioeting of the Conference, was to have presided. His place was 
billed l)y Bishop J(>sse T. Peck, who had been making a short tour of 
visitation among a few of the charges along the Susquehanna river. 

A previous annual conference had been held in Altoomi in March, 
18V4. Bishop Levi Scott, of Delaware, was the presiding officer. 

The Conference represents a membership of 35,000 full members 
and 5,000 probationers. The church property is estimated at $1,703,- 
185. Number of Sunday-schools, 4(;2 ; scholars, 42,638. There are 
:203 ministers including fourteen superannuates. 

Altoona Methodism — with ninety-seven members and tifty-five 
probationers — was erected into a separate station in 1854. John H. 
Ryland was the first preacher. He was succeeded by Ale.\. E. Gib- 
son in 1855, John A. Collins being presiding elder. In 185(i came 
Wilfred Downs. When the East Baltimore Conference was formed 
in 1857, Samuel A. Wil.^on was sent to serve the station for 1857-8. 
In 18511-60 Samuel Creighton ; 1861-2, W. L. Spottswood ; 1863, 
1864-5, W. R. Mills; 1866-7-8, J. S. McMurray— W. M. Frysinger 
latter year. 

The remaining ai)i>ointnu>nts were as follows : I8(;it — First church, 
A. W. Guyer; Second church, J. Donahue; 1870 — S. W. Sears, D. 
S. Monroe; 1871— F. B. Riddh', D. S. Monroe; 1872— F. B. Riddle, 
R. E. Wilson, Daniel Hartuian (third charge) ; 1874— James Curns, 
R. E. Wilson, D. Hartman; 1875-6 — James Curns, S. C. Swallow, 
J. W. Owens, J. W. Leckie ; 1877— W. W. Evans, M. K. Foster, J. 
W. Leckie; 1878-9— B. B. Hamlin, M. K. Foster, Thomas Sher- 
lock ; 1880-1— B. B. Hamlin, Jesse B. Young, and Thomas Sherlock. 

RELIEF FOR THE MILTON SUFFERERS. 

A fire, commencing 11:30 on the morning of the 14th day of May, 
1880, in Milton, Penn.^ylvania, continued its ravages until si.x hun- 
dred and sixty-six buildings were destroyed. Indeed nearly the en- 
tire town fell a victim to the flaiues. In response to a call made by 
the Governor upon the mayors of the cities of the State, our own 
mayor, Howard, called a meeting at the Opera House on the evening 
<of the 15th, of which he was constituted the j)residing officer. During 
its progress a notice to the pastors of the various churches, request- 
ing them to l)ring the subject before tiieir respective congregations 
on the following day (Sunday) was prepared, in resjjonse to which 
'Collections on that day were taken up in the various churches, with 
the following results : First Methodist, $201 ; Second Presbyterian, 
-$54.38; Second Methodist, $23.47; First Lutheran, $50; St James 



HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY. 95 

firniiiin Lutheran, $\2; Third Methodist, %]~i.\)\ ; Christ Keforined, 
$11.71 ; (Miurch oflJod, $().2r); United Bretlu'en, $7.10; Fir>t P)ai»tist, 
$44.75. Total, $42S.();5. 

At the nieetinji- in the Opera House a eoniniittee of si-entlenieu 
from tlie different wards were a[)i)ointed to solicit and receive contri- 
butions, who met at the mayor's oHice on Sunday morning', immedi- 
ately after which they commenced the good work, which they con- 
tinued during the week, collecting- upwards of five hundred dollars in 
money and upwards of one thousand dollars' worth of provisions and 
.such other g-oods as the sufferers of Milton were supposed to stand in 
need of. These contrilnitions, added to the collections taken up at the 
churches, ($42S.(i8) constituted a respectable total— about $2,000. 

# 

STATE MKDICAL SOCIETY. 

An annual meeting was held in the Opera House, commencing on 
May 19, 1880. [Its sixteenth annual session had been held in Al- 
toona, in June, 18()5. About seventy delegates, representing every 
county in the State, were present on that occasion.] 

At the recent meeting. Dr. Andrew Nebinger, of Philadelphia, 
took the chair. Dr. Rowan Clarke, of Bell's Mills, delivered an ad- 
dress of welcome to the delegates. Ajtpended is an abstract: 

" Our county occujiies a central position in the State. It has rich 
and i»roductive valleys to feed our people, and high mountains and 
hills tilled with rich minerals that centuries will not exhaust. 

"We have the i)rincipal shoi)s of the best constructed and nian- 
ag(>d railroad of the country. These shops make anything that is 
used on a railroad, from the smallest bolt to the finest Pullman coach, 
or the most powerful locomotive. Their fires never go out. As the 
JeW'S of old turned their eyes each morning and evening to the tem- 
ple to see that th(^ daily sacrifice was offered, and w'ere happy and 
contented when they saw smoke arise, so do our people rejoice each 
day when they see the cloud of smoke arise from the work shops, sat- 
isfied that our county is safe and prosperous. 

" The main line of the Pennsylvania railroad passes through this 
county. Branches are .sent forth from Altoona to Hollidaysburg ; 
there again dividing to different portions of the county, to collect the 
rich ores and other minerals which nature has so abundantly stored 
away in the hills and valleys. From Tyrone, in the northern end of 
the county, the Tyrone and Clearfield road, which also sends numer- 
ous branches to bring forth the products of the immense coal and 
lumber fields of Clearfield ; also the Tyrone and Lock Haven, to the 



06 HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY. 

- THE - 

American 

SE\^^ING 

Machine 

[Awail^i'd the First I'rciiunin ut nearly every public exhibition in which their 

niiiehines have been e.\liibitC(l, inchnling our late Centennial, where they 

receiveil two awartl.s, one for the machine, and one for the work done 

on the inacliiiie.] 

IS IN GREAT DEMAND, 



HECAISK OF IT^i 



GREAT SIMPLICITY, 

I'.einy: iiarticiilarly free from all combinations, always ready to work, and easily 
understood by every one, even the most Inexijerienced. 



IT 18 THE TIGHTEST RUNNING 

Shuttle Machine in the woi'.d, requiring; little outlay of strength, and sews witli 
great speeil, and never skips stitches. 



IT HAS A SETF-THREADING SHUTTLE, 

And requires no adjusting of the tension every time a new bobbin is placed in it. 

\o time wasted in vexatious delays in getting the shuttle ready to work. 

IT IS ALWAYS READY. 



IT IS THE MOST DURABLE MACHINE 

That ever claimed public attention, owing to its simple arrangement and the care- 
ful selection of the best material. 



For further particulars call on or address 

E. C. REESE, 

Agent for Blair County. 

Office:— 5tli Avenue unci 12tli Sti'eet, Altoona, Pa. 



HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY. flT 

top of the Susquehanna region, and soon the Tyrone and Lewishursi- 
will be running- through one of the finest iron ore and limestone re- 
gions of the State. From BellV Mills the Bell's Gap, a narrow guagc 
road, climbs around the spurs of the Allegheny and shows deep ra- 
vines, over a route unsurpassed in beauty and grandeur, giving i)!cas- 
ure to the lover of nature and collecting the jjroducts of Cam})ria and 
Clearfield. Whilst we do not dispute the claim that Boston is the 
hul) of the universe, we do claim that Blair county is the hub of Cen- 
tral Pennsylvania. For here w^e have the heart of the great road 
that largely controls the traffic of the whole country ; and we draw 
the resources of the surrounding counties into, our own. Our county 
is growing — a little more than a generation old — and this city is only 
a stripling. Many who are here present were in the full vigor of 
manhood Avhen the site of this town was covered with forest, with 
here and there a swampy meadow. Although its growth has l)een 
rapid, greater things are hoped for in the future." 

The annual address was delivered by Dr. A. Nebinger, president 
of the Society. In his introductory he referred to their meeting (the 
thirty-first) as an occasion of friendly greeting; also, to note the 
changes of the past for our future improvement, and to make hcHior- 
alile mention of those who have finished their work and gone to the 
grave like "one who wraps the draperies of his couch around him 
and lies down to pleasant dreams." He feelingly referred to those 
members of the Society who were yielding to the weight of years ; 
alluded to the bright and cheering aspect of the country in a commer- 
cial point of view ; denounced jobbery and dishonesty in public af- 
fairs, and made feeling allusions to the distress existing in Ireland. 

The addresses delivered, and previously prepared i>apers on medi- 
cine, surgery, etc., which were read during the session, exhibited the 
progress medical science had made, and reflected credit upon the med- 
ical profession. 

During their stay the physicians, in response to invitations ex- 
tended by Charles E. Pugh, General Superintendent Pennsylvania 
railroad; Superintendent B. G. Ford, of the Boll's Gap railroad, and 
W. D. Tyler, of the Keystone Hotel company, made excursions to 
Lloydsville and Cresson. They also visited the upper and lower 
shops of the Pennsylvania railroad located here, accompanied l)y 
Theodore N. Ely, Superintendent Motive Power, and before leaving 
passed a vote of thanks to the gentlemen named, as well as to the 
Blair County Medical Society, who gave to them a banquet at the 
Logan House. 



98 HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY. 

In Lancaster, on the second day of May, 1881, the next meeting- 
of the Society will occur. Dr. S. M. Ro.ss, of Altoona, who, at the 
late session held in this city, delivered an address on "Conservative 
Surg-ery," was selected to deliver an address on "Surgery," at the 
next annual convention. 

PROHIBITION CONVENTION. 

The State Convention of radical temperance, oi^ total abstineneo 
nien, assembled in this city on May 20, 1880, and placed a ticket in 
nomination. On May 29, 18T8, simultaneously with the Annual! 
Conclave of Knights Templar, of Pennsylvania, a similar convoca- 
tion held its session here. 

DECORATION DAY. 

The 29th day of May, 1880, (the 80th, the usual day for the cer- 
monies, occurring on Sunday) was observed in this city as Memorial 
Day. The old flag was rev(>rently drooped over those who died so 
that it might still wave, the unsullied emlilem of a nation united and 
free; and the fairest flowers of spring were scatterecl ui)on their graves. 
A much larger number of citizens and strangers joined in the ceremo- 
nies than on any ])revious occasion, crowding our public thoroughfares 
at an early hour. 

The principal streets and avenues were ornamented with flags. 
and other national devices. The i)rocession formed on Eleventh av- 
t'liue, right resting on Twelfth street, and commenced to move about 
9 o'clock a. m. It was led by a carriage containing Junior Vice De- 
partment Commander Burchfield, of the Grand Army of the Repub- 
lic ; Rev. Jesse B. Young, the orator of the day, and Rev. J. Green 
Mil«>s, of the First Baptist church. Chief Marshall Fitzharris and 
his aids — Messrs. Amheiser, Valentine and Stroh — came next, fol- 
lowed l>y the Junior Greys' band. The order of marching of the bal- 
ance of the organizations was: Junior and Senior order of United 
American Mechanics, J. A. Parker and L. S. McGlathery, marshals; 
Citizens' band; Bethany and Rising Sun Circles, Brotherhood of the- 
Union, Wm. Fortenbaugh and Edward W. Cavend'er, marshals; So- 
cial band ; Good Will Steam Fire company. Gust. Klemmert, mar- 
shal; Altoona City band; Vigilant Steam Fire company, Williani 
H. Johnson, marshal ; Excelsior Hose company, J. B. Stahl, marshal; 
Company D, Fifth r<'giment, N. G. Pa., commanded by E. M. Amies; 
Mountain City band ; carriage containing representatives of PottSs 
Post; Lieutenant Stephen C. Potts Post, No. 62, G. A. R. 



HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY. OiV 

When the line reached the eiitraiiee to the eeuuitery the Junior 
Greys' l)and and all the org-anizations followinn' stood in open order 
to permit the passage of the Post, which advanced to the lead, suc- 
ceeded by the Mountain City hand and Conij>any D. The mandi t(» 
the monument was then resumed, during- which the Mountain City 
band i)layed a solemn dirge. A platform had ])een erected to the- 
north of the soldiers' monument and the procession filed to the right 
and marched around the shaft, encircling it. The first thing in the or- 
der of exercises at that point was the rendering of "Remember Me,'- 
the well known air from the opera of "Bohemian Girl," which waK 
beautifully played by the Mountain City band. Rev. J. G. Miles of- 
fered a prayer; then a dirge was rendered by the Altoona City band, 
when the ceremony of decorating the graves of the dead soldiers was 
performed. Chief Marshal Fitzharris then introduced the orator of 
the occasian. Rev. Jesse B. Young. At the conclusion of the oration 
a selection was given by the Junior Greys' band, and the procession 
moved out of the cemetery to the place of assembling, where it wafr 
disbanded. 

OUR NATIONAL ANNIVERSARY. 

Sinc(^ the Centennial year no especial demonstration had beeu' 
made in the observance of the anniversary of American independence.* 
As early as May, the present year, the subject of a firemen's parade 
was freely discussed by our citizens. Meetings were held, and the- 
various wards of the city canvassed for contributions to defray the 
expenses of the firemen to whom, when the fact was established that 
a sufficient amount of money could l)e raised, invitations had been 
extended to visit our city. The sum realized was $1,191.30, which 
after deducting or reserving $10 for printing and $r)0.oO for the pur- 
chase of fireworks, Avas divided among the Altoona companies for the 
entertainment of their expected guests in the following sums : Vigi- 
lant Steam Fire Engine company, $328 ; Empire Hook and Ladder 
company, $313 ; Altoona Steam Fire Engine company, $332.50; Ex- 
celsior Hose company, $157.50. [The Good Will company declined 
to participate in the celebration and consequently received no contri- 
bution.] 

The visiting firemen, were: (1) The Mount Vernon Hook aiul 
Ladder company of Harrisburg, guests of the Empire; (2) Hope 
Steam Fire Engine company, of Harrisburg, guests of the Altoona; 
(3) Logan Hose company, of Bellefonte, guests of -the Vigilant,; (4)). 



•The Fourth of July, 1880, occurring on Sunday, Monday, the 5tb was celebrated. 



kOO 



HlSTORy OP ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY. 



C. W. SICKLES, 

BUTCHER. 



AND DEALER IN — 



Fresh, Salt and Smoked Meats, 



SAUSAGES, ETC. 



POULTRY ALWAYS ON HAND. 



1224 Ninth Street, between Green and Chest- 
nut Avenues, Altoona, Pa. 



D 



V 



R. A. BONINE, 

'"OGRSPk 



H 



14th Street, between 11th and 12th A\'enues, 
Altoona, Pa. 



PUBLISHER OF STEREOSCOPIC VIEWS: 

'Among the Alleghenies," "Horse-shoe Bend," and other important 

points along the Penn'a and Bell's Gap Railroads; also, 250 

different views of Scenes in Florida. 



ALL KINDS OF PORTRAIT PHOTOGRAPHY. 

LIFE SIZE OIL TYPES A SPECIALTY. 



\^' 



HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIK ('OL'NTY. 101 

Phaniix Fiiv Eiiiiiiic t'oinpany, of Ilollidayslmrjj:, g'uosts of tlu- Vifji- 
lant ; (5) Hiiiitiiitidoii Steam Fire Eiiii-inc cornpaiiy, g-ucsts of tlu; 
Vig-llant; (6) Uood Will Honie company, of irollidaysburg, fjucsts of 
the Altoona; (7) Alleorheny Hook and Ladder company, of Holli- 
daysburjo:, guests of the Empire ; (S) Fame Hose com])any, of Tjcw- 
istown, g'uests of the Excelsior. 

Thus, with eig-ht visitin<i- companies and four of our own, twelve 
in all, fully ecpiipped with the apjiaratus of each, steamers, trucks and 
hose carriag-es, material was furnished for producing- a spectacle rarely 
witnessed in cities of corresponding size. But tlie weather proved in- 
auspicious. Xo sooner had the firenu'U assembled and th<'ir orderly 
arrang-enient been effected than the rain descended, and, with sliyht 
intermissions, continued throughout the entire day. Nevertheless, the 
column mored and passed over the route previously planned. There 
Mere, probably, one thousand men in line. 

The city contained thousands of visitors from neighboring cities 
and towns, many of whom had arrived on Saturday. The trains of 
Monday morning were filled to their utmost capacity. 

As usual on such occasions the streets and houses were profusely 
decorated Mith arches, flags, etc. 

On the following morning, in response to an invitation extended 
by the Holliday.sburg companies, several hundred of our visiting fire- 
men, accompanied by several brass bands, as well as a large delega- 
tion of our citizens, visited the county capital and picniced in the 
neighVjorhood during the day. 

PENNSYLVANIA STATE EQLAL RKiHTS LEAGUE. 

The Sixteenth annual meeting of this organization was held in 
the Opera House, its si-ssion commencing on the 17th day of August, 
1880. Its first meeting was held in Harrisburg in 1864. Rev. John 
Peck was the first president. William Nesbit, an old resident of Al- 
toona, succeeded him and has been the presiding officer ever since. The 
ol)jects of the League (to (juote from their printed constitution) " ar<e 
to unite the entire colored people of our State in a common brother- 
hood ; for the promotion of morality, education, temperance, indus- 
try, and the encouragement of everything that pertains to a well-or- 
dered and dignified life, and to obtain, by appeals to the consciences 
of the American people, or l)y legal process, a recognition of the 
rights of the colored people of the United States." The attendance 
was large and the sessions harmonious. 
8 



102 HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY, 



PUBLIC AND PRIVATE SCHOOLS. 



THE FIRST SCHOOL HOUSE. 

From tlic eourtoous and (efficient City Superintondent of Puljlie 
Schools, Prof. D. S. Keith, \v\' leara that as early as 1815 the first 
school house was erected within the boundaries of the territory now 
occupied by Altoona. The south-east corner of Fourth avenue and 
Twenty-fourth street is the site where it stood. It was a log build- 
ing, chinked and daubed, not ])lastered, and furnished with slab 
benehes. This h(juse, surrounded by primitive forest, was used both 
for school i)urj>oses and for church services. Children, as far distant 
as two or three miles, attended school here, and often in winter, when 
the ground was covered with snow, there being but few roads, a 
traek was made to the school house by dragging a log through the 
snow. The building served for school purposes until 1838. During 
this period, spelling, rending,- writing, and "ciphering" were the 
branches taught. Corporal ]iunishnient was in full force. The meth- 
ods of instruction diftert'd widely from those of the ])resent. The ])u- 
pil's course of study Ix'gaii with the alphabet, and it was customary 
to introduce the whole number of lett(M-s to the abecedarian at the 
first lesson. Spellin.g was pursued for some time before the pupil 
was advanced sufficiently to take uj) the Bible, which was the text- 
book used in teaching reading. In |)enmanship the teacher wrote 
the copies for each pupil who Avas ready for this branch, and manu- 
factured p<'ns out of goose (piills. Arithmetic was the last study in 
the course, and one who could scjlve " single rule of three " was con- 
sidered (piite an arithmetician. This .school was at first known as the 
Beales' school, but lat(^r a.s the Black Oak Ridge school. Henry Acl- 
ams and John Gwin wer<' among the first te,achers. 

* i'ASSA(iE Of the co.mmon SrtlOOL LAW. 

The law, entitled "An act to provide for the education of the poor 
gratis," was in force until 1834, when^the (!ommon school law was 
passed. The passage of this law aroused the people somewhat in 
regard to education. It had bitter opponents, but having been agi- 
tated and discussed, some of its opponents became its strong sujiport- 
(u-s, and an effort was made to have better school accommodations and 
better schools. 



HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY. 103: 

UNION CHURCH AND SCHOOL HOUSE. 

Tif 1S3S the trustees of the Presbytcriaii, TiUthoran, and Metho- 
dist clmrches purchased a lot of ground from Eli Hastings, on which 
to (M'eet a union church. Shortly afterwards, the school directors, 
having determineil to erect a school house, ])urchased a lot adjoining 
for ten dollars, and agreed with the church committee that the church 
and school house should be eriM'ted as one l)uildiiig, the school part 
being on one lot and the church pai't on the other. The school room 
and the church were separated by a swinging partition, which, when 
it was necessary to enlarge the church room, was swung up to the 
ceiling and made secure by m<^ans of hooks. After the house was 
conijileted, which was late in 1838, a committee was appointed by the 
scliool directors to secure a teaidier. Barton Hastings was elected 
first teacher, and the following is the agreement between him and tlu; 
committee : 

"Articles of iifjfreenient. made this 5th (hiy of .lanvuu'v. 18:i9, hetwei-n Barton 
Hasting.s, schoolinastei-, of the one part, and we. the nucku-signed, connuittee of 
school Xo. 0, in Allegheny township, Hunthigdon county. Pa., of the other part: 
Witnesseth that the said Barton Hastings does bargain and agree with said com- 
mittee, to teach in their primarj' school for a term not exceeding three months, 
from tlie first of the present month, during which time strict subordination ac- 
cording to law and fornnu- custom shall Ije observed. Spelling, reading, writing 
and arithmetic will be taught with lidelity. In consideration whereof, the said 
committee doth bind themselves, their heiisand executors, to pay, or cause to be 
paid, unto the said Barton Hastings, the sum of twenty dollars per month for each 
and every month of said services. Witness our hands," etc. 

It will Ite s(>en from the above that this district was embraced in 
Huntingdon county at tlie time referred to. 

The T'nion school house, the name by which it was known, re- 
cently remodeled, and now occupied Ity the congregation of the A> 
M. E. church, stands on the corner of Union avenue and Si.xteenth 
street. It s(n'ved for school purjxises until 1854. 

BRANCHES TAUlillT. 

During this period, geography and grammar were taught, and a 
degree of advancement somewhat higher than that during the former- 
period was attained. However, but little improvement was made in 
meth(»ds of instruction. Recitations were conducted in spelling and' 
reading, but it can hardly be said that any were conducted in arith- 
metic. As long as the pupils were able to obtain the answers to 
questions, no assistance, in the way of explanation nor recitation, 
Avas thought necessary. When a pupil could not "do a sum," he- 
w^ent to till* teacher, who, if conducting a recitation, allowed the class 
to proceed, or permitted the })upil, who could not "do his siun," to 



104 HISTORY or ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY. 



WM. M. FINDLEY, M. D, 



802 Twelfth Street, Altoona. 

(EAST SIDH) 



HOUSE: 1126 Eighth A^venue. 



J. D. HUGHES, 



— DEALER IN 



j^NTHRJCrTElHND B^TUMfNQUS {^ORM, 

WOOD, HAY, STRAW, ETC. 
Ninth Aveiuie imd Nineteenth Street, Altoona. 



D. A. BRADLEY, 

IMANl'KACTUKKK OK AND DKALEU IN 

Monuments, Head Stones 

IaiI Kiulosures, and all kinds of (Ji^nietfi-y \V(n k in Foreign mid DoiMcslic .Maibie- 
Design.^ and I'riees to suit all. All work ilonf iii an artistic niaiuu r and sat- 
isfaction guaranteed. Orders resjiecttully soliciteil. 

ELEVENTH AVENUE, NEAR ELEVENTH STREET, ALTOONA, PA. 

( Atljoining .Jcsiah Artlun'.s Furniture Store.) 



MISS ANNIE SHOEFNER, 

NKW Mir.I.INKllY AND 

Dress Making Store, 

Twelttli Strtel, tKlween Eigltli ail Niitl kmm. Altoona, Pa, 

Ilespectfully solicits a share of i)atronage from tlie ladies of Altoona and vicinity. 

The Dress Making is under the supeivision of an exi)erienced lady, and we 

guarantee idl our work. The stock of aiillinery Gootls is always licsli 

and of the l^atest Styles. New styles constantly received, ilats 

and Hounets bleached, cok>reil and remodeled. 



HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIII COUNTY. lOf) 

hoar the das-; while he solved tlie (|uestii)n ; hut, iiKtre jiTiierally, the 
assistance was j^iveii hetween recitations, and often some pujiils went 
u]) and stood near tlie tea(dier, or took a seat near him, 1)efore the reci- 
tation was linishe(|, so tliat Ijcinu' foi'emost, they nii,2:ht Iiave their 
(|U<'stioiis solved lirst. It sometimes lia])|)t'ned, when the teacher had 
his attention drawn from his pupils, and his mind concentratecl upon 
some (piestion, not heinii' very apt in li.u-ures, that pupils, waitin>i' for 
their turns, had an oi)portunity to take a little recreation. 

VKTEaAN SCHOOL DIRECTOHS. 

James Hntcdiison, who was elected school director shortly after 
the passa.uH' of tlie common school law, of which he was an ardent 
su])])orter, served twelve or fifteen years, and took an active part in 
education. Altoona's first board of school directors, after beina- incor- 
porated as a borouuh, in 1854, was presided over by Thos. K. liurch- 
inell. 

ESTAHLIsn^IENT OF COUNTY STPERTNTENDENCY. 

In 1X54, tlie county superintendency was established. This 
chan<i-e did not affect some teachers very agreeably. Additional 
branches were to be tauo-ht, and a more thorougdi examination was to 
be passed. The first examination under this law, to be held in the 
Fnion school house, was advertised for several weeks, but, on exami- 
nation dav only one apj)iicant, John Rutherford, \vas present. To 
be examined before the public, by t' ■ superintendent, was an ordeal 
throug-h which many had no desire to pass ; and private examination 
l)ein<>: allowiMl, th(\v preferred it to the pulilic examination. 

ERECTION OF SCHOOL BUILDINGS, ETC. 

The erection of a one-story frame building, containing two rooms, 
in the Fonvth ward, was commenced late in the y(!ar. and was com- 
pleted February, 1855, at wdiich time two schools w^ere opened. The 
house was fitted witli imi)roved furniture. The desks with seats wen^ 
made each to accommodate two ]inpils, but owing to the crowded con- 
dition of tlie schools, three or more pujiils were ])ut to one desk. 
This kind of furniture, which is now rapidly disappearing from the 
stdiool rooms, " patent " furniture taking the i)lace of it, w^as consid- 
ered a gTeat improvement at that time. The sexes were taught sep- 
arately. John Rutherford was elected teacher of the boys' school, 
and Miss Cordelia White of the girls' school. Some time after the 
schools were opened, a large number of pupils having been enrolled, an 
assistant was employed, who taught the primary pupils, both boys 



106 HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY. 

and <rirl.-<, occupyinji- ])art of the room in which 'Miss White tang-ht. 
A term of four months was taug-ht, with an enrolhnent of one hun- 
dred and fifty-eig'ht pu])ils. The sahiry of the male teacher was thir- 
ty-Hve dollars per month. The common school branches were taught. 
During- the summer of 1855, a one-story frame l)ijilding, with two 
rooms, was erected in the Third ward, and was supi)li('d with furni- 
ture similar to that in the Fourth ward. Mucli the same kind of fur- 
niture was used in most of the rooms until 1870. The railroad di- 
vided the town into two districts, East and West Altoona. Mr. 
Jvutherford, who was "put on his muscle," taught the hoys' school in 
West Altoona, and served as a teacher for a number of years, lu 
1856, another builduig, with one room, was erected in the Fourth 
ward, to which were assigned tiie more advanced i>upils, l)oth l>oys 
and girls. The elements of one or two of the iiighi-r branches were 
taught. The numl)er of teachers was six, and tiie length of the school 
term was increased to six months. As there were only live rooms, 
one of them was occupied by two teachers. Some schools wei'e com- 
])Osed of both boys and girls, others of l)oys or girls only. This "un- 
4systematic " arrangement, \\liicli, for the most of the time, was not 
restricted to any i)articular grade, was continued until 1875, except 
from ISGO to 1869, when the sexes were taught together. In 1857, 
jx l)uilding similar to the one last mentioned was erected in the Third 
Avard. Th«' borough was enlarged the sanu^ year, and made to include 
j)art of what was known as (Treensbiirg. About 1855, some of the 
citizens residing in (Irei'usburg found it inconvenient to send their 
children so far out in the townshi}) to school, and therefore dt'termined 
to build a school house for themselves where it would be convenient. 
The house was built on Howard avenue, l)etween Tenth and Fleventh 
.streets, and now serves as a dwelling. Robert McCormick gave the 
ground, and with his subscri})tion and that of other citizens, a sutti- 
cient amount was .secured to erect the building. It was used for pri- 
vate school until it came within the limits of the borough, when the 
sn'hool directoi's of the ixirough got control of it, and used it abcuit 
one year for ])ublic school ; ()eing distant from the other .school houses, 
it was afterwards left vacant, (wcept when used for seh-ct school. 
[Professor John Miller taught a select school here alxnit 1862, shortly 
after which the house was sold.] In 1857, there were seven .school 
rooms; nine teachei's wei'e employed, and five lumdred and fifty pu- 
pils were enrolled. The schools were divided into three grades — 
primary, intermediate, and grammar. J. Ginter Counsman, who 
was sometime afterwards elected suiH'rintendent of Blair county, was 



HISTOHV OK AI/roONA AND 1!I,AIR TOUNTY. lOT 

l4';i<'licr (if one ol'tlH' two uriiiii iiiiif sclmols. Only ciuht tcjiclirrs wcn^ 
iMuplovcd tlic iKwt year. No more buildinti's wvvv vvvcivd until 18(i4 
and no incrcasv in the nunilxT of tciichiM's was made. The school 
))()j»ulati()ii increased, and in some VDonis (Voni one liiindi-ed and tif'ty 
to two hundred jjupils, under the care of two teachers, \v«'re enrolled. 

About ISC.I, a district institute was oreanized l)y the teachers fur 
their ini|trovenient in nielhods of instriiction and school nianaiicnient, 
and in ii'cneral culture. These institutes were kept up until 18Y5, 
when, the school directors refusinjr to remunerate the teachers for the 
time spent at th<'se meetiiiiis, they wci'e discontinued. 

No other than frame huildin<;-s were erected until llSlO. The pop- 
ulation increasiuii- so rajtidly,' the erection of buildinji's re(|uii"ed con- 
siderable attention In 18(>4, a house with one room wa> built in the 
Third ward, at a cost of $1,500. A fourth .yrade, called the hiuh 
.-^•hool, was made, and E. H. Brunner was elected teacher. A few of 
the higher ))ranches were tau<^-ht in addition to the common school 
branches. The next year Professor J(din Miller was chosen teacher 
of the hifi'h school, for which a room \\ as renteil, all the school ro(»nis 
being occupied by the other grades. Professor Miller held this posi- 
tion until he was elected city superintendent. In 18()(), a two-story 
building, with two rooms, was assigned to the high school, and was 
occu])ied by it until a building w^as erected in the First ward. 

When the l)Oundaries of Altoona were extended and it was incor- 
porated as a city, what was known as Loudonsville came within the 
limits. Here were two school houses, each with one room. One of 
them was built about 1859, and served for school purposes until 1876, 
when it was destroyed by tire. The other was erected in 18»;(;, when 
two grades were established. Another house, with one room, in the 
Eighth ward, which was erected about 1867, came within the limits 
of the city also. The enrollment of {»upils was greatly increased, 
and it was necessary to rent several rooms until more buildings could 
foe erected. In a short time three houses were built — one with one 
room in the Fifth ward ; and one with one, and one with two rooms 
in the Eighth ward. 

CITY SLPERINTKNDENT AND TEACHERS OF HIGH SeHOOL. 

The office of city superintendent was instituted in 1869, to which 
Professor John Miller was called. He served until October, 1874, 
Avhen the present incumbent. Prof. D. S. Keith, was elected. 

John S. Alexander was assigned to the high school ; howi-ver 
Professor Miller continued to teach a few Ijranches for one year. 



108 HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY. 

PHILIP TEATS, 

AUCTIONEER 



AND DEALER IN 



SECOND-HAND aJODS OF ALL KINDS. 

New Furniture, Bedroom Suits, Jewelry, Notions, Dry Goods, Boots and 

Shoes, Queensware, and Bedding of every description, both 

Old and New. 

All sort.s o( good.'-; lukeii aiitl soM on coimnis.sion at reasonable rates. Sales in and 

ontside the city promptly attended to by himself. Speaks both English and 

German. Old Household Goods taken in exehan<<e for New. 

CALL AND SKE HUM. 

[A piece of po(!tiy written as an impromptn, and Itjft unceremonionsly, surrep- 
titiously and clanilestinel\- on the jflass ease of Philip Teats' Auction House, SOS 
Twelfth Street, near Eighth Avenue, without signature: 

Those fond of fine sofas and very good seats, 
Invariably call on our friend Philip Teats; 
Tliose wishing good tables at which to dine. 
Can there linil a stock especially flue ; 
And all kinds of furniture both new and old, 
Which at prices quite low is invariably sold. 

That Teats is a "brick," as all people know. 

Who Forepaugh tried liard to add to his show 

As one of his spejikers to do the "polite," 

But Teats failed to join liini, because 'twas not right 

To pull up his stakes. Mountain City to leave. 

For full well he knew how the people would grieve; 

His musical voice would no longer be heard. 

And we'rt^ glfid that friend Teats is a man of his woi-d. 

"His musical voice would no longer resound." 

For he's classe<l 'inongst the best that lives above ground. 

At the favorite number — 8(X) 

Twelfth Street, you'll find him in very good fix : 

His auctions at liight are the best of tiie kind 

i )f ain where on the green earth you will find. 

Those sales (which are i>nvate) all through the long day, 

Attending of which yon can liave your own way. 

Result to the good of the people at large— 

For attending his sales there's really no charge. 

So go to the place, and all take your seats. 

If you see nothing more, you will see our friend Teats. 

PHILIP TEATS, 

OFFICE: Twelfth Street, near Eighth Avenue, 

ALTOONA, PA. 



HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY. lOf) 

Ncvin H. Fisher was next elected, and was followed by A. V. Hos- 
totter, D. S. Keith, X. P. Ci'onse, and L. L. Book, the ])resent 
teac'hor. 

(iRAItlNCi OF SCHOOLS. 

In 1869, the schools helow the high school were divided into five 
grades, and a revised conrse of study was pre]>ared. The course; for 
the hifjh school included the conuuon school branches, with algelira, 
geometry, natural philosophy, Latin, Greek and German. However, 
but fpw pupils advanced much beyond the common school studies. 
The course was not followed closely, every teacher chanu'ing it as he 
thought it best adapted to the wants of his i)ui)ils. 

MORE SUBSTANTIAL BUILOINCJS ERECTED. 

When Altoona became a borough and a separate sediool district, 
little idea did the .school directors have of the dimensions the place 
would assume in a few years. Frame liuildings seemed to answer 
every purpose ; and it was thought, too, that there should be only 
one story, for when the first two-story school house was built, some 
avowed that educational interest was getting up too high. But when: 
a city charter was obtained, and the ]iopulation continued to increase, 
the directors began to think it was necessary to erect morc^ perman- 
ent and larger buildings. In 1S70, a brick building, with eight rooms, 
was erected in the First M'ard. Six rooms were supplied with pat- 
ent furniture ; and all the l)ui!dings erected afterwards were fitted 
Avith such furniture, except a small addition i)ut to one of the build- 
ings in the Third ward in \H1\. There was still not sufficient school 
room for all the pupils, and, in 1S72, a brick house, with four rooms, 
was built in the Eighth ward. Tn 1S78, the frame building in th(>^ 
Fourth ward, which was erected in 185(i, was removed, and a brick 
house, with four rooms was built. The same year, two other brick 
houses, each with two rooms, were built — one in the Sixth ward and 
one in the Seventh Avard. In 1875, an addition, with two rooms, 
was built to the Sixth ward house, making the total number of rooms 
thirty -eight ; and thirty-eight teachers were elected. In 1879, four 
additional rooms were added to the Sixth ward building. Owing to 
the rapid increase in school ])opulation, it was difficult to keep pace 
with the demand for new school ])uildings; and when the number of 
rooms became equal to the number of teachers employed, which had 
not been the case since 1854, a very desirable end was accomplished. 



SIO HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY. 

REVISED COURSE OF INSTRUCTION. 

In 18*75, a new <i-radation of the scliools was made, a revised 
■course of instrueti(jn was prei)ared, the sexes were taught together in 
all the schools, and improvements were made in the plans for heating 
and ventilation. Eight grades below the high school were made — 
four constituting the primary, two the intermediate, and two the 
grammer de])artment. The course for these three divisions included 
the common school l»ranches, with drawing, simple ecjuations in alge- 
))ra and the elements of physiology. Two courses, an elementary 
and a .scientific, w<'re prepared for the high .<chool. The elementary 
■course includes English grammar, orthography, etymologv, reading, 
comi)osition, rhetoric. Ijatin, aritlimetic, algebra, geometry, physiol- 
ogy, mitural philosophy, history and Constitution of the United 
States, penmanship, drawing, Ixitany or book-keeping. The .scien- 
tific course includes English literature, composition, rhetoric, Latin, 
higher alge])ra, chemistry, gent-ral history, geology, trig(Uiometrv and 
.surveying, astronomy and mental )>hil().sophy. (ierman, French and 
(Ireek are voluntary studies. An e(piivalent amount of language 
nuiy be substituted for some of the mathematical studies. 

teachers' institute. 

In 1872, a law was })assed in regard to annual institutes,- "author- 
izing the city of Altoona to organize a teachers' institnte independ- 
ently of the county of Blair." 

DEATH OF THE FIRST CITY SI DERINTENDENT. 

Professor Jcdin Miller, who was widely known throughout Blair 
county, died in Altoona, 8ei)teml)er 3, 1875. He was l)orn in the 
city of Paris about 1800, and was taught to speak and read French 
by his mother. When he was aliout three years of age liis father 
moved to Strasburg. He was sent to school at Leipsic, when' he re- 
mained until he graduated. Leaving Leipsic he came to this country 
about 1825. After being some time in New Vork and Philadelphia, 
he went to the western part of this State, where he commenced teach- 
ing school. Being a tine scholar his services were soon sought. The 
most prominent ))laces where he taught are Martinsburg, Williams- 
])urg, Butler, Hollidayslnirg, and Altoona. He tilled the office of city 
.superintendent until 1S74, when lie resigned, l)eing so feeble that he 
was unal)le to disehiirge the duties of his office. 

p]lexis Elder, W. W. Osltornc and J. B. Bowles are among the 
teachers who have taught longest in Altoona. Mr. Elder was ap- 



lilSTdRV OK ALT(X:»NA AND HI, AIR COUNTY'. 



I I 1 



])(iiiit('(l su)»i'riiit(Mi(lciit of IMair county in 18()4, and <'lcct4'(i in 18()(), 
sci'vinu' in all Iinc vcars. 



(iUOWi'il Oh' THK TCHMC SCIIOOI. SYSTEM. 

The annexed tabular statement w ill >.li()\v the urowth of the s}'.- 
tcni since 1854 : 



YEAUS. 



y. 



185.5 , 1 

X■K^^^ 1 2 

1^07 1 a 

18oS I 3 

1S5H 4 

IStiO 4 

isfii : 4 

i862 1 4 

]8()3 1 4 

1864 1 4 

ISa'i I 5 

186<i i 5 

18K7 5 

1868 ' I 

18(59 li 

1870 o 

1871 ' 7 

1872 7 

1873 1 7 

1874 10 

1875 11 

187(> ! 11 

1877 1 8 

1878 1 (1 

187i> t> 

1880 8 



12 


1". 


22 


23 


25 


2fi 


2e 


27 


30 


35 


37 


39 















^ 


tJD 




3 










'A 




r. 




^ 


■*^ 


p^ 


C 






Ph 


g 


■"*-! 


v< 


C 





d 


C 


y. 


y 


158 


4 


250 


4 


437 


6 


5.50 


6 


W3 


8 


(i92 


9 


770 


10 


769 


9 


854 


9 


762 


9 


823 


8V., 


700 


9 


925 


^% 


813 


10 


1,.560 


10 


1.640 


10 


1,600 


10 


1,795 




1,928 




1,984 




2,085 




2,082 




2,254 




2,382 




2,505 




2.700 





cSJ= 



3 S 



i 




^ 




-,,_, 




o 




>. 


01 1 






cS 








ct 






o 


0) 


H 




.2 i 






a 


^ 










-^ 





if35 00 


$25 (M) 


;i5 00 


.■«) (Ml 


40 00 


30 00 


40 00 


25 00 


.■'.7 50 


27 .50 


37 50 


27 50 


37 .50 


27 ,50 


37 50 


27 ,50 , 


37 50 


27 50 ' 


39 72 


29 72 


48 .52 


;i5 39 


54 37 


;« 64 


55 00 


39 ;« 


62 .50 


40 42 


57 .50 


45 00 , 


60 00 


44 33 1 


60 00 


45 00 1 


71 43 


44 4(i 1 


78 33 


44 80 


ti7 75 


44 70 ' 


61 82 


40 96 


57 05 


41 98 


,56 69 


40 95 


.55 51 


36 15 


54 (K) 


36 87 


50 62 


35 36 



_2 a 



d — 





.$1,400 00 


() 


2,400 (H) 


4 


.■i,S57 ,36 


4 


3,969 16 


2 


3,4.54 .il 


6 


f..;i58 30 




2,744 04 




2.776 .87 




2,800 (JO 




3,112 00 




4,445 .55 




4,414 78 


3 


6,:340 54 


3 


9,107 85 





17,260 00 


5 


18,000 00 


10 


28,000 00 


5 


27,228 93 


9 


37,9114 ;!3 


9 


43,873 00 


4 


29,032 (iO 


2 


25,377 63 


2 


25,515 .53 


2 


23,19!) 95 


3 


25,616 ,55 


3 


25,244 30 



RAPID INCREASE OF SCHOOL POPULATION. 

Ever since Altoona was inc()r})orated as a borough it has been 
xlifficult to kec}) pace with the demand for school buildings sufficient 
to accommodate the num))er of children attending; school. In addi- 
tion to the other buildings at that time existing, a brick house — one 
of the most substantial and best arranged of the school buildings in 
the city — containing four rooms, was erected in the Fifth ward in 
187T. It was supplied with first-class furniture. The scho(d direc- 
tors deserve great credit for the attention and care they gave in its 
-erection. Several years ago a brick building of about the same size 
was erected in the Fourth ward at a less cost, but on account of the 
inferior material used, and the careless manner in which it was built, 



112 



HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY. 



H 



Mountain City 

ORAL ESTRBLISHMENT 

Howard Aveiuie, bet. 9tli and 10th Streets, 

ALIOONA, PA. 



ALLAN S. MYERS, 



Proprietor, 



Cut Flowers and Designs of all kinds, at all seasons of the year. 



GREENHOUSE and BEDDING PLANTS, 

BASKET and VASE PLANTS, 

VEGETABLE PLANTS IN SEASON. 



PRICES .MODERATE. ORDERS BY MAIL PROMPTLY ATTENDED TO. 



AHEAD OF ALL COMPETITION ' 

I AM DETERMINED TO LEAD. BEST GOODS AT LOWEST PRICES. 

Groceries, Flour, Feed, 

Teas, Coffees, Sugars, Syrups, 

Canned Fruits, Dried Fruits, Mackerel in Kits and other packages, 
Fish, Baeon and Hann. Glass, Wood, Willow and Queensware, 

Tbfietlier with every article wliicli is usually t<i be found in a well-appoiiitefl. well- 

arraiiii;eil, tirist-elass Grocei-;^- and Provision Store. i^^Don't mistake the 

name and the place, as I don't wish others to trade on my cai)ital. 

D. R. CHRISTIAN, 

No. 1018 

C'hestnut Aveniie, Altoona, Pa. 



(BHICK BUII.DINC 



HISTORY OF ALT'OONA AND BfiAIR COUNTY. 118 

it Wiis nn-ciitly condciiiiicd, and altlioii^-li tlic original cost, tu^u'i'tlu'r 
with repairs, aniouiitrd to, say $1,3(10, it was sold for the tritlin<i,- 
.sum of $855. 

[$5,700 was the amount oriiiiually roiitraeted for the t-reclioii of 
this huildin,y. The contractor found th(> amount too small, when 
$1,000 additional was added, making $0,700. Afterwards a heater 
was placed in the building at a cost of about $400; then a new roof 
and other repairs amounting to about $200— making $7, 300. J 

In September, 1878, the term commenced with forty-two t(uichers, 
and during the month two thousand four hundred and twenty-two 
pupils were enrolled, with one hundred and twenty-three of them in 
charge of one (»f the primary teachers. This crowded condition of 
the schools made it necessary to establish another school. A church 
room, which was not at all suitable for a school room, was rented and 
occupied the remainder of the term. It became evident from the in- 
<-rease of the school poi)u]alion that |»ro\'ision must be made for more 
school rooms. Karly in the summer an addition of ftiur rooms to 
the Sixth war<l building was commenced and completed in Se]>tember. 
The ))uildin^, which is of lirick, now contains eight rooms, supplied 
with good furniture. 

In Sei)tend)er, 187V), the schools openi'd with forty-tive teachers 
and an enrollment of two thousand six hundred and nim' pupils. 
Before the o])ening of the schools, it was thought that there would 
he sutiicient school room to accommodate the increase in tlie number 
of pu|»ils, but it became necessary again to resort to the renting of 
rooms. Two additional rooms were secured and two teachers elected, 
making the total number of teachers forty seven. The erection of a 
building containing eight rooms, in the Second ward, is now in pro- 
gress, and will l)e quite a relief to the crowded condition of the 
schools. The building, with furniture and heating a})paratus, will 
cost about $18,000; two lots and a half, upon which to erect the 
building, were purchased at the cost of about $4,800. When the 
grounds are suitably improved, the total value of the public school 
])roi)erty, in the Second ward, will be about $23,000, and will be 
more valual)le than that in any other ward. 

NtJMBER OF SCHOOL BriLI)l.\(JS. 

To sumnuirize the statistics of i)ublic school buildings scattered 
through preceding i)ages we state that in the First ward is one ))uild- 
ing with eight rooms; Second ward, one building with eight rooms; 
Third ward, one building with three rooms, and two buildings with 



114 



HISTORY OF ALTOONA ANT) BLAIR COUNTY. 



one room each — total, five rooms; Fourth ward,* two l)ui](lin<>-s with 
two room.s each — total, four rooms ; Fifth ward, one building- with 
four rooms ; Sixth ward, one building- with eii^ht rooms ; Seventh 
ward, one building with two rooms; Eighth ward, one building with 

four rooms, one with two rooms and two with on(> room each total,. 

eight rooms. Grand total, forty-seven rooms. 

NAMES 01" TEACIIKRS, (iRADE, ENROLLMENT, ETC. 

The total number of pupils enrolled in the ])ublic schools for 
1879-80 was 2,698. The names of teachers, grade, and the enroll^ 
ment and average attendance of puj^ils of each school for that ])eriod 
are given in the tables annexed; 



Naiiif's of TeiK'hert 



(irude. 



C'ortiticatf. 



L. L. Hook 

Liiidav Hooper 

A. 1'. liUlH'lt 

J. B. Bowles 

]Mai> 10. Foster, 

.Vniia M. .Johnston . . 
N'etlie Durborrow. . . 
Emilia K. Woi'ley...., 
Mrs. Lettie Wilson .. 
Mrs. Ella C. Bee.ifle. ., 

Kate Alleman i 

Anna C. Bailey i 

Nannie Russell j 

Kate K. Moser 

Sadie E. Ingram 

INIrs. Kinina Peake... 

Ella Lewis 

■ .Mrs. Eiz/.ie Redding-. 

I.,oiiisa O'Neill 

Mrs. .\iiiiieE. Moore 

Marv .1. stoulTer 

Mrs. Sal lie .I.Steele..; 

Sadie Reagan i 

Alice V. sliew | 

W. W. Osborne | 

.\nieliaC Snyder t 

rjllie M. Bowers ; 

Lizzie McCiiuipsey . . | 

.Jessie Custer .".. . 

Lizzii' \. (_ olo 

Maggie M. Ross i 

Ilarni. L. Brennecke, 

ISIaddie Keiidig > 

Charles Geesey I 

Mattie Neville 

U. Gialiaui Anrtersoiij 

li i-i'triide Roiishe [ 

W. C. Reeni 

K. Elder I 

Mary Wallace i 

Raeliael .\ . Coweu . . . i 

Marv E. Clark.'^oii ; 

Sallie II Mc(;iatliery [ 

Maggie I'arke 

Jennie Swartz 

Rebecca M.Patterson 
E:ninia F. Trattord...! 



First. ... 
....do. ... 

....do 

....do 

....do. ... 

....do 

...,do. ... 

....do 

....do. ... 
•>d and 3. 
....<lo. .., 
....do. ... 
....do. ... 
....do.... 
....do.... 
....do.... 
....do. ... 
....do. ... 
....do.... 
Third.... 
....do.... 
....do. ... 
....do.... 
....do. ... 
Fonrth.. 
....do. ... 
....do.... 
....do. .., 

....do 

....do.... 
....do.... 
....do.... 

do. . . . 

Fifth 

....do.... 
....do. ... 
do. ... 
Sixtii.... 
....do.... 
....do. ... 
....do. ... 
....do. ... 
....tlo. ... 



do. .. . 

...do. ... 
Seventh . 
,...do. ... 



High School 

.\ssistant High School.. 

Seconi I ( i raniiiiar 

Fii-st Grammar 

1st ,S -iud Intermediate. 

Fourth Pi-iniary 

'I'lnrd Primary 

Second Primary 

First Piiniarj' 

First Grammar 

.\<U'ance Second Inter. 
Second Intermediate...! 

First Iiilt iniediate.. ! 

Fourth Priniary 

Third Primary 

Second Primary 

First Primary 

F'irst Piimary ' 

First Primary 

First Grammar 

1st iV -211(1 Intermediate.: 

Foiiilh I'riiiiary 

•2nd and :!d Piimary 

First Primary " 

Second COaniiiiar 

f'irst (irammar . , 

Second Intermediate.. . 

First Inteiiiicdiatc 

F'ourth Piimary 

Third Piimary. 

Second Primary 

First Piimary ; 

First Primary 

1st & 2nd Intermediate. 

Fourth I'riiiiary 

Thiril Priniary. 

1st & 2nd Priniary- 

Si'coiid (Oainmar 

First (iratiimar , 

Second Intermediate... 

First Intermediate |, 

Fonrth Primary ,. 

Third Primary.' 

Second Primarv j . 

First Priniary. .* i . 

1st & '2d Inter. &4thPri.|. 
1st. 2ri & 3d Primary....!. 



Normal Dip 
ProJessioiial 
Permanent . 

do 

Provisional. 

do 

do 

Permanent. , 
Provisional 

do 

do 

do 

Permanent. . 
Provisional . 

do 

do 

do 

do 

do 

tlo 

do 

do 

do 

do 

Permanent .. 

do 

Professional. 
Prcjvi.sional . 

do 

do 

do 

.... do 



do 

Permanent.. 
Provisional.. 

<lo 

Periiianent . . 

do 

Provisional . 

do 

do 

do 

do 

do 

do 

do 



70 


(>7 


"si" 


"48"* 


.w 


47 


50 


39' 


(i'2 


.55 


57 


51 


65 


.57 


94 


73. 


44 


37 


49 


41 


54 

59 


5^ 



HI 
65 
77 
71 
55 
55 
47 
49 
53 
57 
66 
46 
44 
48 
60 
.59 
6] 
71 
79 
5-2 
57 
.53 
61 
75 
40 
51 
48 
48 
59 
67 
64 
85 
46 
66 



54 

.5<; 

67 
.55 
48 
40 
43 
44 
48 
53 
,55 
42 

;i8 

40 
51 
48 
53 
.59 
67 
37 
.50 
46 
5'2 
54 
.-{5 
45 
40 
4-2 
5-2 
6-2 
53 
76 
.37 
51 



*Priiicipal building of this ward condemned and sold. 



HISTORY OF Al.TOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY. 



1 1:5. 



Names of teaclicrs for ISSO-Sl. witli tlicir firadc of school :\wl 
certificate :* 



Niuue,-< of Teachers. 



Warrls. 



A. P. Uiipert First . . 

Xannic Knssell <lo. . 

Lillie M. Bowers do. . 

Mary K. Foster «io. . 

AniiaJNI. Johnston do.. 

Nellie Dui-horrow do. . 

Dora Kearney do. . 

Mrs. Lettie Wilson do. 

L. L. Book Second. 

Linda Hooper do. 

W. W. Osborne do. 

J. B. Bowles tlo. 

Charles Geesey do 

Jessie Custer — do 

Emma K. Worley ..do 

Libbie Heir ". do 

Louisa O'Neill do 

Mrs. Annie E. Moore Third 

Anna C. BaileV do 

Mrs. Sallie J. Steele <lo 

Sadie Reagan ilo 

Allie V. Shew <lo 

Ivizzie McCnini>sey Fourth 

John B. Harmon.." <lo 

Maggie M. Ross do 

Maddie Kendiii do 

S. e;. Rupert...' Fifth 

Mattie Neville do 

A. M. Crosthwaite do 

Ella K em merlin fj do 

AV. C. Reem Sixth 

E lexis Elder <lo 

jMary Wallace ". . .do 

Kaehel A. Cowen do 

Lizzie A. Cole do. ; 

Maggie Park <lo 

Emma Davis do 

Blanche Miller do 

Kebecca Jl. Patterson Seventh. . 

Emma F. Trafford do 

Mrs. Ella C. J'.eegle Eighth.... 

Mary J. Stouft'er do 

jMary E. Clarkson , do 

G. G. Anderson do 

Kate L. Moser do 

Sadie E . Ingram do 

Sadie Row do 

Harmenia Brennecke do 

Lettie D. Johnston do 



Graile 



Certiflcate. 



Second Grammar 

Fii-st (irammar i 

Second Intermediate. . .! 

First Iiitc!-mediate 

Fourth Primary I 

Third Primary [ 

Second Primary 

First Primary 

Principal High School.. 
Assistant " " 

Second (; ram mar 

First (iraniinar 

First and Second Inter.j 

Fourth Primary \ 

Third Primary 

Second Primary 

First Primary 

First Grammar 

First an<l Second Inter. 

Fourth Primary 

Second an<l Third Pri.. 

Fiist Primary 

Fouitli Primary 

Thiril Primary 

Second Primary 

First Primary." 

First and Second Inter. 

Fourth I'l'iiiiary 

Second and Third Pri.. 

First Primary 

Second Grammar 

First tirammar 

Seconrl Inlcrnicdiate.. . 

First Inti'iiui'diate 

Fouith Primary 

Third Primary." 

Second Prinuiry 

First I'limarv 

1st .V: '2d Inter. .^ 4th I'ri. 
1st. ■2t\ and .id Primary.. 

First (Oamniar 

•2d Inter. .Vdvanced 

Second Intermediate. . . 

First I ntcrmediate 

Fourth Primary 

Third Prinniry.' 

St'cond Primary 

First Primary ." 



Permanent. 



Professional. 
Provisional. 



Normal Diplonuti 

Profcssioual. 

Permanent. 

Provisional. 



I'rofessional. 
Provisional. 



Permanent. 
Provisional. 
Permanent. 
Provisional. 



Normal DiploniiU 
Provisional. 



Professional. 
Provisional. 



Normal Diploma 



* As the schools, for which teachers have been appointed, do not commence un- 
til September. 1S80, we are imable to give the number of pupils and average at- 
tendance. 

VALUE OF PUBLIC SCHOOL PROPERTY. 

The value of property used for .school i)iiri)osos amounts to $!><;,- 
500, divided as follows: (Jrounds, $24,200 ; buildings, $64,800; fur- 
niture, $7,500. Twenty-five years ap-o there was hut one school 
house, worth less than $300. [The valui' of tlie school, property of 
the entire county is $200,850.] 



11(5 HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY. 



D. & C. MOORE, 



ALWAYS HAVE IN STOCK AN KLEOANT LINE f)P 



GROCERIES, 



WHICH THEV SELL AT THE 



LOWEST CASH PRICES. 



Canned Goods, 

Sugars, Coffees, 

Spices, Syrups, 

And an endless variety of Heavy and Faney Groceries usually found in a well-reg- 
ulated store. They also receive, in season, 

FEESH VEGETABLES 

From the East every day, which they sell at a very small nuufjins. They al.so ofler 
bargains to everybody in 

QUEENS WIIRE and GL/ISSW/^RE. 



All goods guaranteed to be of the best quality and warranted to give satisfaction 
in every case. Give theui a call and become convlnce<l. 



D. & C. MOORE, 

Corner lltli AA^eniie and 15th Street, Altoona. 



HISTORY OB' ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY. 117 

OFFICERS OF PLBLIC SCHOOLS, ETC. 

The board of school divectors consists of six mcnilHTs, as follows: 
John P. Levan, A. F. Hce.'^s, J. F. Kainey, W. S. Douglass, H. C. 
Dcni, and C. N. Pimlott. Two directors arc elected each year, the 
term of office being three years. At the election of Fclu'nary 17, 18S0, 
J. P. Levan (whose term expired on June 1 following) was re-elected, 
and A. F. Heess was elected in i)lacc of W. E. Craine, whose term ex- 
pired also on June 1. The terms of J. F. Rainey and W. S. Douglass 
Avill expire June 1, 1881, and those of H. C. D(>rn and C. X. Pimlott 
on June 1, 1882. 

Prof. D. S. Keith, city superintendent of sclmols, is elected bv the 
directors and commissioned by the State superintendent. His term 
expires on June 1, 1881. 

The present visiting directors arc: First ward, H. C. Deni ; Third 
ward, J. F. Rainey; Fourth ward, A. F. Heess; Fifth and Sixth 
wards, W. S. Douglass; Seventh ward, John P. licvan; Eighth and 
Second wards, C. N. Pimlott. 

Officers of the board: President, John 1'. Levan; secretarv, W. 
S. Douglass ; treasurer, T. H. Wigton. 

ENGLISH AND GERMAN PRIVATE SCHOOLS. 

A))out 1855 a private school was established with twenty-five pu- 
pils, by Right Reverend J. Tuigg, and Mary Levi was a})p( tinted as 
teacher. The school grew rapidly in numbers and influence. 

The large and imposing structure, adjacent to St. John's church, 
on Thirteenth avenue, l)etween Thirteenth and Fourteenth streets, is 
now the residence and school ])uilding of the Sisters of Charity at- 
tached to the church. Its corner-stone was laid l)y Rt. Rev. Bisho[) 
Domenec, under the })astorship of Rev. Father Tuigg, Mav 12, 1807. 
On August 19, 1870, the building was ready to receive the Sisters. 
It was furnished with all tlie modern improvements. There are eight 
large and well-ventilated rooms for the children ; a comfortable and 
handsome oratory, where the Sisters assemble to perform the religious 
exercises of their order ; large and spacious parlors, and a grand re- 
ception room ; three or four music halls, together with a large dormi- 
torj divided into cells, where the members of the community slec}). 
The Sisters, originally only four in number, came from Cincinnati, and 
under the Superior Mother Aloysia, took i)ossession of the building in 
1870, and commenced at once the duties of imparting to the young 
people of the congregation, and to others who were willing to eml)race 
the opportunity, a sound religious and secular education. The com- 
9 



118 HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY. 

muiiity rapidly grew and spread, and now from this honse alone many 
others have been established in the diocese — at Johnstown, East Lib- 
erty, South-Side (Pittsburg), Sharpsburg and Blairsville. The atten- 
dance at the Convent schools is large, averaging daily between six 
and seven hundred children. There is an academy or high school at- 
tached, from which the more advanced pupils graduate with honors. 
Mother Aloysia superintends the schools, and the whole is under the 
supervision of the pastor of the church. 

The German Catholic schools, conducted by the Sisters of St. 
Agnes, were started in 1877, and since that time have been very suc- 
cessful in providing the necessary religious and secular training to up- 
wards of three hundred German Catholic children. 

In September, 1878, the Franciscan Brothers from Loretto, Cam- 
bria county, tijok charge (if the boys' schools, one on the eastern side 
and one on the western side of the city. The superintendance of the 
schools is committed to Brother Angelus, who is assisted by Brothers 
Vincent, Athanasius, and two others. Some time ago they gave a 
public entertainment at tlie Opera House, which was very successful 
and gave proof of the brothers' efficiency. 

Eight or ten 3-ears ago a parochial school was estaljlished by the 
German Lutheran church, in order tliat their children might receive 
instruction in their own language. Recently these children have 
come into the public schools, but, during the vacation of the puldie 
schools, they receive instructions in reading and writing German. By 
this method they receive the benefits of a system of graded schools, 
and advance as rapidly in learning their own language. 

A "Kindergarten" school, the central idea of which is to mingle 
work and play so adroitly that the child's mind unfolds through its 
play, so that mental and Ijodily development go hand in hand, was 
recently estalilished by Miss Joanna Steiehele, a young German lady, 
with prospects of ultimate success. 

In the year 18(52 an effort was made l)y Dr. Wni. R. Findley, and 
severdl other prominent citizens, to establish an academy at which a 
higher grade of education might be obtainable than, at that time, the 
public schools ottered. A charter of incorporation was obtained, and 
although the i)1an of organization proposed was considered practicable^ 
yet petty sectional jealousy brought the enterprise to a speedy death. 
Dr. Findley had secured the refusal of a lot of ground adjoining the 
reservoir, on the east side, for $1,500, with $300 subscribed, and it is 
to be regretted that the academy w\as not built at that time. 



HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY. 119 



CITY CHURCHES. 



BAPTIST FIRST AND SECOND. 

Tl'.c orig'in of the First church goes back to May, 1842, then or- 
ganized under the name of "The Pleasant Valley Baptist Church," 
with seventeen inenibcrs, in the Union school house. Up to 1852 the 
church had no settled pastor, but was regularly supplied with preach- 
ing by Rev. Wni. B. Bingham, Rev. Mr. Fisher, Rev. J. B. Morris 
and Rev. J. B. Williams, all of whom did pastoral Avork. With the 
laying out of Altoona, lots were secured principally through the kind- 
ness of Martin Bell, deceased. In 1853 the small brick building, now 
occupied by the Catholics as a reading room, was built and used by 
the congregation until the present edifice, at the corner of Eleventh 
avenue and Fifteenth street, close to the old building, was erected. 
Rev. A. J. Hay was pastor of the church from 1852 to 1854. He 
was followed by Rev. W. B. Harris. In 1859 Rev. A. H. Sembower 
became pastor and remained with the church until 1865, when Rev. 
A. F. Shanafelt succeeded him. Rev. Wm. Shadrach, D. D., took the 
partorate in 1808 and remained until 1813. During Dr. Shath-ach's 
pastorate the present church building was completed, he having faith- 
fully served the church for five years. Rev. Dr. Shadrack leaving, Rev. 
Wm. Codville Ijccame pastor, remaining until April, 1876. During 
the summer of the latter year the church was without a pastor. In 
the fall of the same year Rev. A. K. Bell, D. D., assumed the pastoral 
charge, and has ever since been, more or less, identified with the church. 
During Dr. Bell's absence at Lewisburg, Rev. C. A. Hare filled the 
pastor's chair from July, 1878, to October, 1879, when he left to re- 
sume his studies at Crozer. Dr. Bell filled the pulpit from October, 
1879 to January, 1880, when the church again released him in the in- 
terests of the University at Lewisburg until June, 1880, his place be- 
ing filled by Rev. J. Creen Miles. 

N. J. Mervine, W. B. Ketler, Benj. M. Bunker, H. B. Keudig, C. 
C. Lyon, Stephen Aiken and Samuel Colclesser constitute the pres- 
ent board of deacons ; W. S. Douglass, church clerk, and Dr. S. M. 
Sellers, treasurer. The board of trustees for 1880-1 consists of Dr. 
S. M. Sellers, J. H. Oves, H. B. Kendig, J. W. Cherry, N. J. Mer- 
vine, C. C. Lyon, G. S. Eby, W. S. Elder, and W. S. Douglass. 
As a corporate body the church is entirely free from debt, owning 



120 



HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY. 



Alive to the Wants of the People. 

Wc buy at the vorj- lowest tignres anfl are thus enabled to sell at what some mohUI 

term starvation prices. AVe mean what Ave say and say what we mean. Trj- 

us and proAo us. We carry at all times an ample stock of 

Dry Goods, Notions, 

Groceries, Flour, Feed, 

Provisions, Boots and Shoes, 

And other articles of general merchantlise too numerous to mention. 

"PRIDE OF flLTOONH," 

The most favorite brand of flour, and can be obtained only of us. 

WM. McDowell & son, 

Corner Ttli Avenue and 13th Street, Altoona. 



DR. LINDSEY AGAINJ^N THE FIELD. 

HIS NEW AND WONDERFUL REMEDY FOR THE BLOOD. 



Lindsey's World-Renowned Panacea 

<4narantced to cure all diseases arising from imi)urities of the blooil, of wliich the 

following IS a part : 

Scrofula, Cancer, Salt-Bheum, Fever-Sores, 

Secondary Syphilis, Tetter, Erysipelas, Itch, 

Catarrh, Liver Complaint, Scald Head, 

Pimples and Blotches on the Face, 

And at the same time is one of the greatest beantitiers, as it removes all eruptions 
and sallowuess liom the skin, and lea^■es it a cleur and natural color. All per- 
sons in need of a lilooil puriller are recincsted to try the Panacea, as it is guar- 
anteed to cure if taki'u according to directions. The I'anacea is prepared 
by Dv. J. M. Lindsey in person, at the Laboratory of the sole projirie- 
tors. Sold by all druggists and dealers everywhere. 

LINDSEY & BECKMAN, 

SOLE PROPRIETORS, 

11th Avenue, bet. 14th and 15th Streets, Altoona, 

(Four I)oor.s East of Uaptist Church.) 



llI.-^TOltY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIII COUNTY. 121 

a jH'Dpcrty wortlraliout $25,000. Mi'iiilxTsliip, 2i)2, with an averaii-c 
Sunday-school attciulancc of 225; voluni08 in lihrarv, 400. 

Till' Second Bapti^^t church was org'anizod in 1873, under tlie au.s- 
pice,< of the Fir.st Ijaptist churcli. The congregation lirst worshipped 
in a building on Eighth avenue, between Twenty-tirst and Twenty- 
second streets. 'JMie lirst pastor was Kev. Jacob Ro1)inson, who was 
succeeded by Kevs. Richardson, Khue and others. In 18t() a new 
building was erected on Seventeenth street, between Tenth and Elev- 
(jnth av(>nues, at a cost of aljout $1,000, Avhere the congregation now 
Avorship, altliough for some time they have liad no pastor. 

CATHOLIC ENGLISH AND GERMAN. 

The present flourisliing congregation of St. Jolui's started witli a 
church organization in the year 1852. Rev. John Walsh, decea.sed, 
then in charge of St. Mary's church, Hollidaysburg, purchased on the 
above date two lots, upon which was erected a frame building, suffi- 
cient to accommodate the congregation, at that time not vcn-y large. 
This frame church w-as dedicated the following year (1853). The ven- 
erable^ Father Bradley, pastor at Xewry, attended regularly to the 
spiritual wants of the; people for the greater part of 1853, as yet there 
being no duly appointed resident pastor. In the following year, Rev. 
John Tuigg, the present Bishop of the Diocese of Pittsburg, was for- 
mally installed as pastor of St. John's congregation. The member- 
ship u}) to this date, and for eight years afterwards, eml:)raced botli 
English and German spealving Catholics; the German portion of the 
congregation had the ministrations, at regular intervals, of Fathers 
Clemens, Manus, Wendelin and others. In the year 1800 the German 
Catholics formed tliemselves into a separate congregation, having a 
resident priest. In the same year, under the very able, energetic and 
efficient pastorate of Rev. J. Tuigg, the present capacious and beauti- 
ful church building was commenced. The work was pushed through 
rapidly, and was dedicated on the 24th of June, 1875, the feast of St. 
John, after whom the church is nanu'd, by the Rt. Rev. M. Domenec, 
the late Catholic Bishop of the Diocese. There w^as a large gather- 
ing on the occasion, and the Catholic population must have felt justly 
proud of the success that crowned their efforts in securing for th(Mu- 
selves such an imposing church edifice. The early members of the 
church wei*e chiefly composed of those engaged in the building of the 
Pennsylvania railroad, and belonged to that faith. A large nund)er 
also came from the neighboring counties, especially from Cambria, 
where there is a large Catholic population, the fruits of the faithful 



122 HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY. 

laljors of the Pi-ince Priest, Dr. Gallitzin. The present pastor of St. 
John's church is Rev. Thomas Ryan, who for a nunil)er of years had 
been pastor of the Gallitzin church. On July 18, 1880, Bishop Tuig-g 
administered the sacrament of confirmation at St. John's, at the close 
of which he appointed Father Rj^an to succeed the lamented Rev. John 
Walsh, who had been })astor since March, 1876, and since the eleva- 
tion of Rev. John Tuigg-, his predecessor, to the episcopate. Father 
Ryan is efficiently assisted in ministering to the congregation by the 
Rev. Morgan M. Sheedy and Rev. Jas. A. I*^ash. The present mem- 
bership of St. John's is between four and five thousand, s 

St. Mary's (German) church was organized in 1860. The first 
resident priest was Father Schuller, who was succeeded in order l)y 
Fathers Bierl, Kircher, Rosswog, and others. The present pastor, 
Rev. John Schell, took charge in 1871. In 1874 Father Schell got 
the church Iniilding to its present shape. It is, however, unfinished, 
l)ut it is intended to complete it at an early date. This congregation 
also is in a very flourishing condition, and has a membership of nearly 
two thousand. 

CHRIST REFORMED. 

This church is located on the corner of Twelfth avenue and Fif- 
teenth street. It is a fine, imposing edifice, built of sandstone, in the 
Gothic style of architecture. A neat, commodious, frame parsonage 
stands adjoining it. The congregation worshipping in this church, 
and whose property it is, is connected with the Reformed Church in 
the United States, and was organized in January, 1863, as a Mission 
under the care of the Westmoreland Classis. In November of the 
same year it was received under the care of the Mercersburg Classis, 
with which it is still connected. It received missionary support until 
1872, since which time it has been self-sustaining, and by its benevo- 
lent contributions has already, in a great measure, returned to the 
Church at large what was given to it in its infancy. At the time of 
organization only about a dozen communicant mem))ers were con- 
nected with the mission. The actual organization was effected Jan- 
uary 29, 1863, by the adoption of a constitution and the election of 
the following officers: Elders, J. L. Reifsneider and C. B. Sink; dea- 
cons, J. H. Fritchey and Daniel Bohler. The first pastor was Rev. 
Cyrus Cort, who took charge of the mission January 1, 1863, and, 
after a very successful i)astorate, resigned in March, 1867. The mis- 
sion was then vacant for about fifteen months, Avhen Rev. A. C. Whit- 
mer was called as pastor. He was installed June 14, 1868, and closed 



HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY. 123 

liis labors hove Aitril 1, 1S7".). Duriii.u- liis Imiu' pastorate the iiiciiihcr- 
ship \vas oToatly increased, and the cinircli hecanie self-supporting-. In 
October, 1810, a call \vas extended to the present ])astor, llev. J. M. 
Titzel. He was installed Deeemlier \\), lStl», and re.u'ularly l»eu'an his 
labors as pastor January 1, 1880. 

The corner-stone of the church edilice was laid July 31, 18(U,and 
the building- was finished, excejjting the spire, in June, 1868, and con- 
secrated on the 14th of that month. In 1873 the spire was built and 
the structure finally completed through the efforts of J. P. Levan, then 
a deacon of the church, and one of its most lib(>ral supporters. The 
cost of the building- was about $15,000. It was erected under tlu; su- 
pervision of a building- committee consisting- of J. L. Reifsneider, J. 
P. Levan, Daniel Bolder, and C. B. Sink. The architect was Fred. 
Thorn. The parsonage was built in the fall of 1868 and the spring- of 
1869, at a cost of $3,000. Several hundred dollars have since been 
spent on it in repairs and improvements. The congregation at present 
numbers about three hundred communicant members. The officers at 
this time are: Elders, J. P. Boult, J. L. Reifsneider and Peter L. 
Stouch; deacons, H. A. Folk, Y. H. Freet, Georg-e S. Thomas, A. C. 
Hammaker, E. Lingenfelter and C. E. Morse; trustees, J. P. Boult, 
J. L. Reifsneider and P. L. Stouch. A flourishing- Sunday-school is 
connected with the congreg-ation, numbering thirty officers and teach- 
ers, and over two hundred scholars. Geo. S. Thomas is the present 
superintendent of the sc-hool. 

CHURCH OF GOD. 

In the fall of 1862 Elder S. S. Richmond, assisted by a number of 
families in Altoona, among wdiom may be mentioned the Alio ways, 
Fishers, Cavenders, Pools, Ottos and Weights, laid the foundation of 
the Church of God in Altoona. At first Elder Richmond conducted 
services in private houses. In January, 1863, Elder Jacob Boyer, 
who was in charge of the Martinsburg circuit, held a protracted meet- 
ing in the " Armory building," the result of which was the more defi- 
nite organization of the church. Charles Pool was elected elder, and 
Abraham Alloway deacon. A lot of ground, corner of Fifth avenue 
and Thirteenth street, was purchased from Mr. Jaggard, and a build- 
ing committee was appointed, consisting of Elder S. S. Richmond, 
Charles Pool, Al)raham Alloway, and Samuel Weight. Mr. Alloway 
shortly afterwards died, and John Mateer, of Martinsburg, was se- 
lected to fill the vacancy In the fall of 1863 the building was under 
roof, and, although unfinished, services were held therein. Later in 



124 HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY. 

D. A. BARR, 



DEALER IN 



GROCERIES 

AND GENERAL MERCHANDISE. 

No. 1807 Eighth Avenue, - Altoona, Pa. 



H. H. SNYDER, 

Attorney and Counselor at Law, 



Hollidaysbiirg, Pa. 



Collections in any part of the County pronnptly attended to. 



J. C. INNES, 

APOTHECARY, 



— AND DEALER IN 



Fine Phsrmaceuticbl PREPJiRflTioNS, 

Ninth Street, below Sixth Avenue, Altoona, Pa. 
>e®=TAKE NOTICE.— Highest Cash Prices paid for Ginseng, Seneka Root, etc. 



J. W. ISENBERG, D. D. S. 



OKNTAL OFFICE: 

Corner 8th Avenue and 12th Sti'eet, Altoona, Pa, 



OFFICE HOURS: 9 A. M. TO G P. M. 



HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY. 125 

the fall Elder Richnioiul eiitci-cd the sirmy as chaplain. In the spring 
of 1864 Elder John iriekernell and Mrs. Martha Beecher conducted 
services, and remained until the summer of 18(;5, when Elder Rich- 
mond returned and i-esumed the duties of the jjastorate. The buildins^ 
was finished in tiie fall of that year. Tn 180() Elder I\ichmond was 
succeeded 1)y Elder P. I). Collins, who remained until tli(! spring of 
1868, when Elder C. Tj. Arny assumed charge. In the spring of 1809' 
Elder J. M. Dugan, succeeded. He remained one year. Bt^tween 
April 1, 1870 and March 31, 18T1, the church was without a regular 
pastor. On April 1 of the latter year, Elder J. C. Owens took charge, 
who, in the fall, was followed by I]lder F. L. Nicodemus, and in the 
si)ring of 1874 Elder J. M. Carvell occupied the pulpit. He renuiined 
two years. Elder John Hunter was the ne.xt pastor, under whose ad- 
ministration the building was enlarged (December, 1876,) to its pres- 
ent dimensions. The building committee consisted of Levi Fisher, 
John Bartley, Jeremiah Hoerner and A. Y. Price. The new or en- 
larged house, free of debt, was dedicated March 17, 1877. Elder John 
Hunter resigned the pastorate in the winter of 1878, and Elder G. L. 
Cowen took charge. On April 1, 1879, Elder J. W. Miller, the pres- 
ent pastor, commenced his labors here. The membership at first wa& 
twenty-five ; it has grown to upwards of two hundred. During the 
past year a parsonage has been erected at a cost of about $1,000. 

HEBREW SYNAOoaUE. 

With al)out twent}'-three mendx-rs, a Hebrew congregation, under 
the title of "Ahabath Achim," was organized in Altoona in May, 
1873. The first president was Joseph Berkowitz ; treasurer, A. Shee- 
line; secretary, S. Neuwahl. The first rabbi was Rev. Mr. (roldman; 
then followed in order Revs. Grossman, Block and Leasker. Rev. S. 
Altman, the present rabbi, was engaged in June, 1879. The officers 
now serving are : President, Max Mayer ; treasurer, Joseph Berko- 
witz; secretary, A. Sheeline. Present membership, twenty-five. The 
congregation has never had any regular stated place of worship for 
any protracted period of time. At present its meetings are held once a 
week, and on the holidays, in a hall on the corner of Eleventh avenue 
and Fourteenth street. The congregation has a cemetery, or burying 
ground, located on the Dry Gap road, in tin; immediate vicinity of 
the city. 

LUTHERAN FIRST AND SECOND. 

The First Lutheran church was organized about the year 1834, in 
a loir school house, then located in a wood in the now called Sixth 



126 HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY. 

Avard. Subsequently, in a))out 1838, tlie congTegation moved its place 
of worship to the Union school house, now greatly improved and oc- 
cupied by the Colored Methodist Episcopal church. In the spring of 
1846 Rev. Henry Baker received and accepted a call to this congrega- 
tion. During the same summer this congregation built a church edi- 
fice in Collinsville, now in the sul>urbs of the city, where they wor- 
shipped for eight years. After Altoona was laid out, it became neces- 
sary for the congregation again to change itsl)ase of operations. Two 
lots were selected on Eleventh avenue, where the present church and 
parsonage were built in 1853. The church edifice was dedicated in 
1854. The princijial contril)utors to this enterprise were Michael 
Hileman, William Bell, J. B. Hileman, John Loudon, Peter Empfield, 
Harry Sellers, Henry Fleck, J. L. Keifsneider, Jacob Good, Benjamin 
Figart, William Rolnnson, Rudolph Lotz, George W. Patton, George 
Cowen. The contractors were Peter Empfield and David Brubaker. 
Cost of church and parsonage about $8,000. In 18*70 the church was 
enlarged and greatly improved at a co.st of about $12,000. The pas- 
tors Avho served this church from time to time are as follows: Revs. 
Jacob Martin, John H. Huffman, C. C. Guenther, Jacob Simons, Wil- 
liam Weaver, Henry Baker, S. Curtis, Jacob Steck, C. C. Ehrenfeld, 
S. Holman and Henry Baker. The latter pastor served the congre- 
gation for eleven and a half years — from 1846 to 1851. He returned 
in 1867 and has been pastor ever since. Membership, seven hundred. 
Sabbath-school numbers five hundred. It is due to say that out of 
this churcli the German church in part originated, and also the Second 
cluirch. There are now id)out twelve hundred communing members 
of the Lutheran cliurehes in Altoona. The church council at present 
is composed of three elders — Henry Yon, Daniel Stoner, J. B. Hile- 
man — and six deacons: C. C. Mason, L. B. Patton, S. S. Taylor, J. 
K. Roush, George F. Jones (now deceased), Thomas Bushman. Rev. 
Henry Baker has faithfully and efficiently served the First church for 
thirty-four years. The congregation is free of debt, is vigorous and 
active, always ready to unite in any enterprise which has the glory of 
God and the good of man in view. The Fairview cemetery originated 
with Mr. Baker, and the organization of an association took place in 
the lecture room of this church, Mr. Baker becoming the first presi- 
dent. 

For some time previous to the organizatioii of the Second church 
a numlK'r of the members of the First church, as well as the pastor, 
felt that there was a necessity for a second organization, the First 
church having attained a membership equal to its seating capacity. 



HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY. 12t 

Conscciucntly, <»u July 11, 18tl, the followin.L;' persons iiu-t ut the ivsi- 
doiice of William licll for the imrpose of taking some measures look- 
insi' to the org-anizatiou of the Second church: Rev. J. R. Crist, Wm. 
Bell and wife, D. K. Uam(-y, J. B. Westley, Louis Walton and wife, 
Mrs. Sue Patton, and A. J. Riley. Rev. J. R. Crist was elected chair- 
man, and A. J. Riley secretary. After prayer by the venerable Father 
Crist, Mr. Ramey stated the object of the meeting, after which a com- 
mittee, consisting- of D. K. Ramey, Wm. Bell and A. J. Riley, was 
appointed to procure a suitable place for public worship. This com- 
mittee secured the room known as Bell's hall, corner Seventh avenue 
and Twelfth street, and on the 13th of August, 1871, the congrega- 
tion was regularly organized. The officers elected at this meeting 
were: Elders, Wm. Bell and J. B. Westley; deacons, D. K. Ramey 
and L. F. Stahl; treasurer, A. J. Riley. Rev. S. Domer, of Reading, 
preached in the morning, and Rev. Henry Baker in the evening, at 
which time the above-named officers were installed. In the afternoon 
of the same day the Sunday-school was organized. D. K. Ramey 
was elected superintendent, A. J. Riley secretary, Louis Walton lib- 
rarian, and L. F. Stahl assistant librarian. The school, including offi- 
cers and teachers, numbered tAventy at its organization. At a congre- 
gational meeting, held December 31, 18U, the ground ujion which the 
church edifice is erected was chosen, and the following building com- 
mittee w^as appointed: William Bell, George W. Heinsling, D. K. Ra- 
mey, D. C. Earhart and John B. Westley. On February 22, 1874, 
the church was occupied by the congregation for the first time, wor- 
shiping in the basement, or lecture-room, the audience chamber being 
yet unfinished. The entire cost of the church property, including the 
parsonage, is over twenty thousand dollars. With the exception of a 
few hundred dollars, the entire amount has been raised and paid, and 
is a standing testimony of the self-sacrificing spirit of many of its mem- 
bers. Membership of church numbers two hundred and eighty. The 
present officers are: Elders, J. B. Westley, John Cole, D. K. Ramey 
and James Hileman; deacons, F. W. Gearheart, Charles Geesey, J. B. 
Herring and Henry Otto. The Sal)])ath-sehool numbers three hun- 
dred and fiTty. Its officers are : Charles Geesey, superintendent ; D. K. 
Ramey, assistant superintendent ; John Alexander, secretary ; Wm. 
Stahl, treasurer; Samuel Dougherty, Harry Hooper and Joshua Ear- 
hart, librarians ; Miss Linda Hooper, organist. The congregation had 
the following pastors since its organization : Rev. Geo. Scholl, from 
November, 18T1, to July, 1874 ; Rev. Charles Steck, from Xovemlx^r, 
1874, to January, 1876 ; Rev. J. F. Shearer, the present pastor, from 



128 HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR, COUNTY. 



u 



ONIITHJIN FOREMAN, 



MANUFACTUEER OF ALL KINDS OF 



FURNITURE 



BEST STYLE, AT LOWEST PRICES, 



Repairing and Refinishing- Promptly Attended 
to in the Best Mannei'. 



rourtli Avenue and Tenth Street, 



ALTOONA, PA. 



HISTORY OK ALTOUNA ANM) I5LAIH COUNTY. 1:21) 

Miircli 1, ISTC). 'IMif {•()imT(',u;iti()ii is lookiiiii' lioiicriilly to the time 
\\iH'n the niidiciicc rociin sliiill he liiiislicil iiiid (ipciicd for worslii]). 

St. JiUiK's (Icrniiiii Kviiiiii'clical Liitlicraii cliiirch, Eig'lith avruiu! 
•and Fourteenth street. Dedicated lS(i2; rebuilt, 1873. Numl)or of 
families, one hundred and forty; Sunday-school scholars, one hundred 
and tifty; teachers, ei,u-hte(Mi ; lilirary contains two hundred V(dunies. 

METHODIST FIRST, SKCOND, TIllUD, .MISSIO.N AND AFRICAN. 

For the names of thos(> who have been ])astors of the Methodist 
churches see pa.ye <)4. The First Metluxlist (diurch was erec-ted in 

1853, at a cost of alH)ut $25,000. It was remodeled in iSTi. Tiie 
membership, which, as previously stated, (\n\;j:v 1)4) lunnbered, in 

1854, ninety-seven, and lifty-five i)robationers, now iinndK'rs three hun- 
dred and seve)ity-two in full connection and forty-ei<j;-ht probationers, 
over and above deaths and removals by certificates. There are two 
hundred and twenty scholars in the Sunday-school attache(l to the 
church, and five hundred volumes in the library. The churcli liuild- 
ini>' is located at the corner of Tw(dfth avenue and Thirteenth street. 

The Second Methodist church, located on the corner of Eig-hth 
a\ enue and Thirteenth street, \vas erected in 1861 at an estimated 
cost of $24,000, and the parsonage at $3,000. The number of Sun- 
day-school scholars is six hundred aiul ninety-eiii-ht ; number of vol- 
umes in the library, six hundred. Conn(!cted with this church is the 
Asl)ury Chai)el, a Methodist ^Mission church, corner Twenty-fourth 
street and Seventh avenue; organized, 1871; number of meml)ers, 
seventy-five; Sunday-school scholars, two hundred. Estimated value 
of building, $2,000. 

The Third Methodist church, corner of Chestnut avenue and 
Tenth street, was organized in 1872 and churcli l)uilding erected in 
1874; estimated value, $20,000 ; two hundred and ten scholars con- 
nected with the Sunday-school. 

The Allen Chapel African Methodist Episcopal church, Sixteenth 
street, near Eleventh avenue, was organized in 1858, and dedicated 
Ijy Bishop Payne. Among the earliest pastors we may mention 
Revs. William H. Grimes and Alexander Johnson. Last year (1879) 
the church building was remodeled and improved, at an expense of 
about $1,000, and in November it was re-dedicated by Bishop Alex- 
ander Wayman. The present pastor is Rev. Nathaniel W. Evans. 
This church was at first under the jurisdiction of the Baltimore Con- 
ference of the M. E. church, but for some time has ))een under the 
general ecclesiastical control of the Pittsburg Conferenc<'. The Sun- 



130 HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY. 

day-8chool, nuiuljering forty scholars, was under the superintendeney 
of John Alexander for twenty -one years, a period, (up to May of the 
present year) co-extensive with its existence. In May he resig-ned, 
and was succeeded by Thaddeus Ormes, the present incumbent. 

PRESBYTERIAN FIRST AND SECOND. 

Originally the church was formed from that in Hollidaysburg. 
On the settlement of Rev. David McKinney, D. D., at the latter 
place in 1841, he instituted an afternoon service in the old Union 
school house in Altoona, afterwards occupied by the African Metho- 
dist church, once every four weeks. In 1850 measures were taken 
by the Presbyterians of Altoona to provide themselves with a suit- 
able church edifice. Two lots were secured, and on these they erected, 
at a cost of about $3,000, a neat and commodious house of worship. 
On November 3, 1851, the congregation of Hollidaysburg agreed 
that their i)astor, Rev. Dr. McKinney, should preach in Altoona on 
alternate Sabbaths in the afternoon, which he did for nearly a year, 
when he resigned his charges and moved to Philadelphia. At this 
time there were fifty Presbyterian families and seventy communi- 
cants, with their ecclesia.stieal connection in Hollidaysliurg. In Oc- 
tober, 1852, a petition to the Presbytery of Huntingdon, asking for 
a separate organization was granted, and on November 8, following, 
the First Presljyterian church was duly organized. Jonathan Ham- 
ilton and John McCartney, elders in the parent church, were contin- 
ued in the .same relation in the new organization, and John Hutchi- 
son, G. D. Thomas and James L. Gwin were elected and ordained to 
the eldership. In 1853 William C. McCormick having been an elder 
l)()th in the churches of Hollidaysl)urg and Johnstown, settled in Al- 
toona and was elected an elder in the new church. The church thus 
organized was served by supplies until November 14, 1854, when 
Rev. A. B. Clarke was called to the pastorate. Nine years after, in 
May, 1863, on account of ill-health he resigned, and died on July 4, 
following. On January 26, 1864, Rev. R. M. Wallace was called to 
the vacant pulpit. During the pastorate of Mr. Clarke, Mes.srs. Her- 
man J. Loml)aert, Thomas P. Sargeant, John M. Campbell, James 
Hutchison, Jnmes H. Dysart and Dr. Wm. R. Findley Avere chosen 
ruling elders. The original church edifice was disposed of l)y sale in 
the year 1854, and the present edifice erected in 1855. In 1865 the 
communicants numbered about two hundred and thirty. Mr. Wal- 
lace continued to serve the congregation until 18*14, when he .severed 
his connection with the First church and assumed the care of a con- 



HISTORY OF ALTGONA AND BLAIR COUNTY. 131 

gTcg-ation at Stroiidshiirg', Moiiroi' county, Pa. During- his pastorate 
the church so increased in numbers that a new org-anization was ))ro- 
jected and tiujilly culminated in the Second Presbyterian church on 
the east side of the city. Col. Tliomas A. Scott was among- the 
worshippers of the First church during his residence here. Rev. M. 
jST. Cornelius, the present pastor, was called to be the successor of 
Mr. Wallace, and began his pastoral labors January 1, 1870. Its 
present membership is four hundred and thirty. In 1S63 the school 
numbered ninety-eight, and in 1880 three hundred and twenty-two. 
The following- are the present officers of the school : Thcnnas H. 
Wig-gins, superintendent ; Professor D. S. Keith, assistant ; Mrs. N. 
C. Barclay, superintendent of infant school ; W. C. Galbraith, secre- 
tary and treasurer; B. J. Lockard, lilirarian. 

On account of the rapid growth of the membership another church 
l)uilding was found necessary. The matter was seriously discussed 
early in 1869, when a meeting- was held at the house of Wm. M. Lloyd. 
James Hutchison, Joseph Dysart, Thos. McCauley, Wm. M. Lloyd, 
Pr. J. M. Gemmill, Dan'l Laughman, Chas. J. Mann and S. C. Baker 
were present on the occasion. In addition to these were James H. 
Dysart, John M. Camp1)ell and John H. Converse who gave the en- 
terprise the benefit oi' their counsel and efforts. A petition to Hunt- 
ingdon presbytery for a new organization was presented, and in an- 
swer thereto presbytery appointed a committee to organize the Second 
church, which the committee did on th(? evening of June 21, 1869. 
Forty-seven persons were enrolled as members, all of whom except one 
were from the First church. The first officers of the church were : 
Elders, James Hutchison, John M. Campbell and James H. Dysart; 
deacons, Charles J. Mann and Daniel Laughman ; trustees, Wm. M. 
Lloyd, S. C. Baker, Thomas McCauley, Joseph Dysart, John H. Con- 
verse and Dr. J. M. Gemmill. The congregation rented Bell's hall, 
corner Seventh avenue and Twelfth street, and on Sabbath morning, 
July 11, 1869, the first public service was held, conducted by Rev. C. 
L. Kitchell, after which meetings were kei)t up regularly. The Sal)- 
bath-school was organized July 18, 1869; James H. Dysart, superin- 
tendent, and Max. Kinkead, treasurer, were its first officers. Thirty- 
nine names were on the school roll. A year afterwards the roll con- 
tained four hundred and seventy-two, officers included. In 1880 live 
hundred and seven names were reported. At a congregational meet- 
ing held August 21, 1869, Rev. David Hall, of Mansfield, Ohio, was 
elected pastor, but he declined to accept. April 5, 18*10, a call was 
extended to W. J. Chichester, a licentiate of the Baltimore presbytery. 



132 



HISTORV OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY. 



HARD COAL. 
PURE COAL. 
REAL COAL. 



SOFT COAL. 
CLEAN CO^L. 
DESIRABLE COAL. 



OFFICE AND TRFSTLES : 

Corner Fourth Street and Eighth Avenue, Altoona, Pa. 



p. O. BOX 20. 



G. A. Mccormick, 

DEALER IN EVERY DESt'RIl'TION OF 

j^ NTHRlClTETN'D Brru MTNous QmE 

WHOLESALE AND RETAIL. 



All orders for clean, pure coal, (hard or soft) lilled promptly. We do not ask 
our customers to puy for slate and rubbish, but plelc every ton" of our coal clean 
before we sell it. Honest and j ust weights guaranteed, a eertllicate of which is sent 
with each load. 

1^ ^S^Sl"''** "^'^'^ ^^ given for coaU without cost, from the Telephone Exchange, over 
t . W. Glmes' Meat Market, 11th Avenue, between 13tli and 14th Streets. 






rn 



OPERA HOUSE, ALTOONA, PA. 

HAVE IX STOCK A FlILL LINE OF 

Glass, Earthen, China, Tin, Bohemian, Terra Cotta, Decorated and 

Pla-ted Ware, 

DLLS, LOOKING GLASSES, 

Satcliels, TaWe aufl Poctet Cutlery, CtiiMos, Chromo Frames, 

Together with all other articles usually found in a First-class 99 cent store. Fram- 
ing to order. 



will sell any article in my line as clieap as any one in the State, consider- 
ing its intrinsic or real val ue. Goods called for which I may not happen to have on 
hand at the time, will be ordered immediately and furnished at the lowest prices. 



A. F. BLACKBURN. 



HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY. 133 

who at that time was pursuiiiii- his studii's at the Western Theokjg-ieal 
Seminary. The call was accepted on condition that Mr. Chichester 
l)e permitted to spend one year at Princeton Seminary before enterin.ii- 
iiI)on his duties as pastor. Rev. Stuart Mitchell was engag-ed to min- 
ister to the congregation until the pastor-elect had completed his stud- 
ies. On the second Tuesday of June, 1811, W. J. Chichester was or- 
dained a minister of the gospel and installed as the first pastor of the 
Second church. Mr. Chichester officiated as pastor of the church un- 
til June, 1878, when Rev. Samuel W. Duffield was unanimously 
c-alled to fill the vacancy occasioned l)y the resignation of the former 
pastor. On July 1 he entered upon the work, being installed Octo- 
ber 7, 1878. He is the present efficient pastor. Early in 1870 the 
present site was selected and secured for the church buildings, being 
purchased from C. Jaggard, for $4,500. The erection of the chapel 
began in 1870. It was finished and occupied in April, 1871, Rev. 
David Hall, of Mansfield, Ohio, preaching the dedication sermon. 
The chapel cost $20,000. A congregational meeting was held in the 
'Chapel on November 22, 1871,. when Messrs. J. M. Gemmill, M. D.; 
Will. M. Lloyd and Robert L. Gamble were elected elders, and John 
M. Bowman and Maxwell Kinkead, deacons. On February 11, 1874, 
Alex. T. Findley and Chas. J. Mann were elected elders, and John A. 
•Castor, C. B. Bowles, Theodore H. Wigton and William A. Magee 
were elected deacons. March 28, 1877, James D. Irwin, William J. 
Allen, Joseph Dysart and Dr. S. M. Ross were elected elders, and J. 
N. Barr, Harry Slep, J. Chester Wilson, J. W. Martin and Thomas 
Cam])bell were elected deacons. The erection of the church building- 
was commenced in August, 1875, and was finished and opened for 
public worship on Sabbath, December 17, 1876, when Rev. George 
P. Hayes, D. D., preached the opening sermon. The cost of the church 
building, including heaters and gas fixtures, $31,240.99; cushions, 
-carpets and pulpit furniture, $1, 218.07 ; organ, 2,500.00; total cost of 
lot and all buildings, $62,965.60. 

ST. LUKE's PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL. 

This church is located at' the corner of Eighth avenue and Thir- 
teenth street, and was erected in 1858. The present rector is Rev. 
Allen Sheldon Woodle, B. D.; rector's warden, Theodore N. Ely; 
junior warden, Joseph Wood ; treasurer, A. H. Maxwell ; secretary, 
James Mallett ; sexton, William Jarvis. 

10 



134 HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY. 

THE BRETHREN. 

This dt'iiomination is called "German Baptist," "Tunkers," and, 
by the ignorant, "Dunkards," and is frequently classed with the 
"Mennonite," "Ornish," and other branches of faith. It was organ- 
ized in Pennsylvania in 1V24, and was better known at that time, and 
ever since, by the appellation of "Tunkers." We are in doubt as 
to whether the latter name was adopted by The Brethren, or any 
portion of them, or given to them by outside parties. Be this as it 
may, the word "Tunker," derived from the German " Junfen," signi- 
fies to dip, and in this manner the converts to their faith are baptized. 
The Brethren generall}^ wear a peculiar dress, and do not shave the 
beiard. [That the men and women lived in separate habitations, and 
discarded marriage, is an allegation devoid of any foundation.] They 
are much less rigid than formerly in some particulars. Like the Bap- 
tists they believe in immersion, but unlike them practice feet-washing 
and differ on several other points of doctrine and practice. Like the 
Church of God, they practice both immersion and feet-washing, but 
difi'cr in the manner of the former. In the Church of God baptism 
is accomplished by a single plunge backward, whilst in The Breth- 
ren church three forward dips are required, the first "in the name 
of the Father," the second "in the name of the Son," and the third 
"in the name of the Holy Ghost." The position in the water of the 
candidate for baptism in the Church of God is upon the feet ; in The 
Brethren church upon the knees. Once in the spring and once in the 
fall feet-washing, partaking of a supper, saluting each other with a 
kiss, are rites practiced precedent to partaking of the communion, all 
of which are participated in on a single occasion in the order stated. 
With such mark(Kl peculiarities of practice and doctrine; notwithstand- 
ing the similarity of name, Th(^ Brethren are easily distinguishable 
from the United Brethren by those who are conversant with the doc- 
trines and mode of conducting services by each. The polity of the 
church, or the recognized i)rinciples upon which it is l)ased, forbids its 
members to go to law with each other, as well as discountenance ac- 
tions in law against those beyond the jurisdiction of their church. 
When called as witnesses in courts the rule is to affirm instead of tak- 
ing the usual oath. Bearing arms is prohibited. No member is al- 
lowed to become a beneficiary of the public, or be provided for at the 
public expense. They make provision for the extremely poor and 
otherwise unfortunate members of their religious society. 

The chief dignitary of the church is the Archbishop, there being- 
only one in the United States. He presides at the General Confer- 



HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY. 135 

once held annually, which is coinposed of deleg-ates from every district 
in the country. Next in dignity and importance is the elder or bisho]> 
(by The Brethren used as synonymous titles) who has the power of 
administering the communion, perform the rites of baptism and matri- 
mony and all other ceremonies of the clnirch. Next are ministers who, 
whilst they can baptize and perform the marriage ceremony, cannot 
administer the sacrament of the Lord's Supper. And, finally the 
novitiate, Avho, until advanced to a higher degree, by knowledge, age 
and experience, can neitiier i)erform the marriage ceremony nor bap- 
tize, and, of course, is unauthorized to conduct the communion. 

Formerly each State constituted a separate ecclesiastical district. 
The membership of the churches has increased with the increase of 
population. Hence, now. States are subdivided. Pennsylvania has 
three districts, eastern, middle and western. An annual meeting of 
delegates from the respective districts is held in each State to deliber- 
ate for the spiritual and temporal good of the church. It is here that 
differences are reconciled and difficulties removed. In cases of failure,, 
however, appeals are taken or the matters are relegated to the General 
Conference, which constitutes an appellate ecclesiastical court of final 
resort. The Brethren ministers receive no stated or regular salary. 
When poor their traveling and other necessary expenses are cheer- 
fully paid by the laity ; when well off in this world's goods they asfc 
no compensation. 

The amplitude of this prelude to what we are about to say of the- 
church in Altoona, grows out of a desire to correct wrong impressions 
in regard to a peojjle who are truly "peculiar and zealous in good' 
works," and at the same time to acquaint the puljlic with the distinc- 
tive characteristics of their church polity, doctrines and practices. 

About 1869 or 18*70, eight or ten members of the church, residing 
in Altoona, composed the congregation of The Brethren here. Ser- 
vices were held in a chapel, now torn down, on Eighth avenue, be- 
tween Twenty-first and Twenty-second streets. September 4, 18T4,, 
the congregation having increased in numbers, it purchased from II. 
D. Witmer a lot and building, on the corner of Sixth avenue and Fifth 
street, for fifteen hundred dollars. This building was first constructed! 
as a chapel and used by a mission school of the Second Methodists,, 
afterwards converted into a dwelling and when bought by The Breth- 
ren remodeled into a church, in which they now worship every alter- 
nate Sunday, services being generally conducted by Elders James A. 
Sell, Graybill Myers, Brice Sell and David E. Sell, in rotation. The 
membership now is sixty-five. A Sunday-school, of which George W. 



136 



HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTV. 



D. W. COLYER, 



House \ Sign Painter 



GRAINER, KALSOMINER AND PAPER HANGER. 



Twelfth Sti-eet, between 8th and 9th Aveiuies, 



ALTOONA, PA. 



BEST WORK AT LOWEST PRICES. 



W. B. REESE, 



MANUFACTUKElt OF AND DEALER IN 



TIN, SHEET-IRON, 

BRASS AND COPPER-WARE, 
Ko. 712 Mnth Street, - Altoona, Pa. 

[Between Seventh and Eighth Avenues.] 

PARTICULAR ATTENTION GIVEN TO ROOFING AND SPOUTING. 



A COMPLETE STOCK OP 



STOVES RND HOUSE-FURNISHING GOODS 

C'oiistaiitlv on linnd jind tor sulo at Lowest Prices. 



Kepairiiig of all kinds promptly attended to. Before purchasing goods in lay line, 
or entering into contract for rooting or spouting, give me a call. 



inSTORY OF ALTOONA AND IJLAIR COUNTY. 137 

K('i)liart, a deacon, is siiprvintciidciit, iiuiidM-riii^- about one luiiulrcd 
scholars, is attached to the church. The lJil)h' is the only l)ook used 
by the teachers and scholars, with the exce))tion of a l)0ok of sacred 
song-.s_" Precious Jewels," by Trof. R. B. :Mahaney of our city. 

UNITED BRETHRKN. 

The church of tiie United lirethren in Christ was established in 
Altoona with the early growth of the town. Tlu; circumstances that 
led to the organization were principally brought about by a largi; num- 
ber of its members coming from other sections of the country where 
they stood identified with this branch of the church, and having a 
natural desire for the church of their choice they were ])rompted to 
form themselves into a congregation. They were served for several 
years by ministers from adjacent charges. The annual conference, re- 
cognizing the growth of th(> new town and the consecpient demand 
for a more concentrated effort, made it a station, assigning Rev. D. 
Speck as pastor. The first thing demanding the attention of the pas- 
tor was a church building, and in this enterprise he was ably seconded 
by Samuel McGlathcry, Jacob Bottenberg, Thomas Stackhouse, Wil- 
liam Fox, M. T. Dill, George Earhart, Cornelius McLaughlin, and 
manv others that space will not permit to name. 

A si)lendid location was secured, on the corner of Eighth avenue 
and Twelfth street. In due time, by earnest effort and noV)le sacrifice 
on the part of this little congregation, a commodious church })uilding 
was erected, and set apart to the service of God. From this time 
the church has had a permanent growth, and its future prosperity is- 
ominous. 

In the following order the congregation has been served by the 
various pastors up to the present date: Rev. D. Speck, from January, 
1857, to January, 1859. [Mr. Speck was afterwards presiding el- 
der of the district in which this congregation is embraced.] Rev. W. 
B. Dick, from January, 1859, to January, 1860. [Mr. Dick died a few 
years ago, much lamented, and rests in the Tyrone cemetery.] Rev. 
b. Sheerer, from January, 1860, to January, 1861. Rev. E. B. Kep- 
hart, from January, 1861, to January, 1863. [Mr. Kephart is serv- 
ing as president of Western College, Iowa; he also served two term.s 
in the Iowa senate.] Rev. T. H. Hallo well, from January, 1863 to 
January, 1865. Rev. M. P. Doyle, from 1865 to 1869, during whose 
pastorate the church was enlarged. Rev. W. Wragg, from 1869 to 
1872. Rev. J. Walker, from 1872 to 1876. [Mr. Walker also served 
as presiding elder of this district. He died at Conemaugh, Cambria 



138 HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY. 

county, in the early part of 1880.] Rev. M. Spangler, from 187(5 
to the time of his appointment as presiding elder of this district, 
September, 1880. Eev. J. Medsger was api)ointed pastor to fill Mr. 
Spangler's place at the same time. 

Owing to the rapid growth of the congregation, more room and 
better accommodations were required; in consequence the building- 
was enlarged and re-modeled in 187t, at a cost approximating $5,000. 
This work was consummated under the supervision of Rev. M. Spang- 
ler and the board of trustees, consisting of J. Peight, H. Schum, A. 
Eberl}', J. Carl and J. Bush. The church and parsonage are valued 
at $15,000. The membership numbers four hundred ; Sabbath-school 
three hundred scholars. The officers are: Officiary — Pastor, Rev. J. 
Medsger ; leaders, S. Hawk, P. M. Smith and J. M. Barwis ; stewards, 
S. Beecher, D. Bolinger, J. W. Parson, Geo. Blackburn, J. Claybaugh, 
Geo. Cruse and J. C. Shirk. Superintendent of Sabbath-school, P. 
M. Smith; leader of choir, R. C. Ward; trustees, J. Peight, H. Schum, 
A. Eberly, J. Carl, J. Bush, J. Barwis and George Blackburn. 

The whole amount collected for various benevolent purposes dur- 
ing the last four years has averaged $2,750 for each year. 



[The reader will observe an inequality or disproportion of histori- 
cal data in the preceding sketches of the churches, relatively consid- 
ered, and may feel inclined to charge us with partiality. In explana- 
tion we say, that invitations were extended to all the ministers in the 
city, and county, to furnish us with such facts and figures as would 
enable us to give a full and correct history of their respective churches. 
Some complied with our request, and others paid no attention to it. 
As we had no access to church records, we publish what facts we could 
gather from other sources, and we believe them correct as far as they 
go, though not as full as we desired to have them.] 



HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY. 139 



CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATIONS. 



YOUNG men's christian ASSOCIATION OF ALTOONA. 

The earliest organization of this association was effected in 1863 
or 1864, with quite a large membership. After various interferences 
the association located in a room over the Mechanics' Savings bank, 
corner Twelfth street and Eighth avenue, where regular and special 
religious and business meetings were held from 1870 to 1874, when 
the association moved to rooms over John Hurd's book store, Twelfth 
street, near Eleventh avenue, where it was domiciled for about three 
years. During this time, after the holding of the State convention of 
the Young Men's Christian Associations of Pennsylvania, the move- 
ment Avhich resulted in the Railroad Men's Christian Association was 
inaugurated, and quite a number of the efficient members of the asso- 
ciation deemed it their duty to enter that organization, after which, 
for about three years, in order not to incur expenses unprovided for, 
the association's business meetings were held at the house of L. F. 
Stahl. In January, 1880, it was deemed expedient again to venture 
on the procuring of a room, which resulted in the occupancy of the 
present very suitable room on Eleventh avenue, near Thirteenth street. 
The association has always numbered among its warmest friends many 
of our leading business men, who now are supporting it by voluntary 
monthly contributions, and the members have full time to spend in 
the immediate work of teaching God's word to the best of their abil- 
it}^, without troubling themselves about the finances. The work is 
largely done by committees appointed by the president for special defi- 
nite work — a devotional committee to arrange for all religious ser- 
vices ; a sick visiting committee to visit not only association members 
who may be sick, but all others who may desire to have a band of 
young men visit them, to counsel them, pray with them or sing for 
them; a finance committee to attend to all pecuniary aff'airs ; a church 
committee, a membership committee and other needed committees. 
The membership is now about eighty. There is a nucleus for a lib- 
rary, and a devoted band of workers. The present officers are as fol- 
low : President, Dr. W. M. Findley ; vice presidents, J. B. Herring and 
Samuel G. Hall; treasurer, T. H. Wiggins; recording secretary, A. 
Swope ; corresponding secretary. Will H. Slep. 



140 



HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY. 

J. B. Smith's 



HCEoiBUSIN 



H 



1321 Eleventh Avenue, Altoona, Pa. 



If you want a Fashionable Pair of Boots, go to J. B. Smith's, 
1S21 Eleventh Avenue^ Altoona, Pa. 

If you want a Neat-Fitting Boot, go to J. B. Smith's, 
1321 Eleventh Avenue, Altoona, Pa, 



J. B. Smith's Place of Business: 

1321 ELEVENTH AVENUE, ALTOONA, PA. 



H. B. MILLER. 

DENTIST. 



1410 Eleventli Avenue, Altoona. 



Teeth Inserted Cheaper than anywhei'e else hi 
the county, for Cash. 



JS"All work waruanted. 



HISTORY OP ALTOONA AND BLAIK COUNTY. 141 

HAILIIOAD men's CIIHISTIAN ASSOCIATION. 

This as.socMation was tlic outgrowth of the raih'oad men's Sunday 
afternoon prayer nieetin<i-s, which were conimeneefl in 0('t(tl)er, 18Y5. 
The great religious interest wliieh manifested itself throughout the 
country during the fall and winter of that year resulted in the spirit- 
ual ingathering of many of those emi)loyed in the service of the Penn- 
sylvania Railroad company in Altoona. With a view of exerting a 
greater influence over their companions, as well as to provide for their 
social, moral and spiritual improvement, those engaged in carrying on 
the meetings referred to deemed it expedient that an organization 
should be effected into which the men might be brought. Accordingly,, 
on February 24, 1876, a permanent organization was formed by the 
selection of the following officers : President, George F. Jones ; vice 
presidents, Flemen Trout and S. Hawk ; recording secretary, John L. 
Williams; corresponding secretary, T. B. Patton ; treasurer, W. A. 
Adams. A reading room was opened at the corner of Eleventh ave- 
nue and Thirteenth street, and on the 16th day of the folloAving month 
it was dedicated with appropriate services. The room is supplied with 
quite a selection of daily and weekly, religious and secular, papers, 
magazines, books, etc., which are largely made use of by its many 
visitors. The association has its regular committees to look after the 
various departments of its work, who report monthly and receive all 
needed instructions from the association. The prayer meeting organ- 
ized in October, 1875, is still being regularly held every Sunday after- 
noon at four o'clock, as well as devotional or cottage meetings through 
the Aveek. The present officers are : President, Wm. Burbank ; vice 
presidents, H. J. Aukerman, W. W. Gardner and W. P. Moore ; re- 
cording secretary, Taylor Grant; corresponding secretary, T. B. Pat- 
ton; treasurer, C. S. Nicodemus. 



142 HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY. 



CITIES OF THE DEAD. 



PAIRVIEW CEMETERY. 

This solemn city of tlie dead covers an area of eighteen or twenty 
acres of elevated ground, on the northern suburbs of Altoona. The 
land was purchased from John Kough and James Trees. On March 
3, 1857, an association was formed, which on October 28, same year, 
procured a charter. Rev. Henry Balder was made the first president; 
Rev. A. B. Clarke and George R. Everson, vice presidents ; Theodore 
A. Stecker, secretary ; J. B. Hileman, treasurer ; G. W. Patton, M. 
Clabaugh, C. C. Mason, A. A. Smith, M. T. Dill, A. C. Vauclain, 
Austin McGraw and John Hamilton, trustees. Changes in its man- 
agement, of course, have occurred from time to time. At the meeting 
of the stockholders on April 1, 1880, (elections occur annually, on the 
first Monday of April,) A. F. Heess was elected president; Harry C. 
Dern and A. H. Maxwell, vice presidents; A. Clabaugh, secretary; 
A. Kipple, treasurer; A. C. Devlan, John P. Levan, J. Wagner, J. 
Loudon, S. F. Ramey, G. W. Kessler, George W. Hawks worth, sr., 
and J. W. Smith, trustees. 

Since the cemetery was laid out improvements have been con- 
stantly made. The money derived from the sale of lots instead of 
being applied as dividends to stockholders, or projectors, has been ex- 
pended in rendering the grounds attractive. About five years ago 
water pipes were laid for conveying water to the premises at no little 
expense and labor to the association, for the benefit of lot-holders. 
Up to this time al)Out eight hundred family lots (the entire tract con- 
tains 1,373 lots) have been disposed of at prices ranging from ten to 
twenty-five dollars. Upwards of 2,500 burial permits have been issued. 
The grounds and improvements have been fully paid for, and, conse- 
quently, no incumbrances exist on the property. 

A receiving vault has been constructed on the grounds to supply 
the urgent necessities of those who may not be prepared for perma- 
nent interment, but no corpse will be allowed to remain in the vault 
over two months, unless absolutely necessitated by unavoidable cir- 
cumstances, and hermetically closed cases must be used. 

Andrew M'Farran, an elderly gentleman, became the first inhabit- 
ant of this city of the dead. He was hurried on March 17, 1857, 
since which time over twenty-five hundred have follo^^'ed him to that 



HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND ULAIR COUNTY. 143 

"bourne from whoiicc no traveler returns.'' At first the graves were 
dug by Mr. Russel, afterwards l)y James Shellenbergcr, but, since 
August, 18*70, Robert Cox has been acting' as superintendent. He re- 
sides on the grounds and is Avell known for his effieieney and politeness. 

Our city having no parks or pleasure grounds, Fairview cemetery 
has become a popular place of resort, during spring and summer, not 
only for those who throng thither to view the graves of their friends, 
and to meditate upon the brevity and uncertainty of life, but for those 
who seek tempoi'ary relief from the harassing cares and vexations of 
business. Until the trees and shrubbery already planted, and such as 
will be i)lanted, mature fully, the eye of the visitor will more particu- 
larly dwell upon the works of art exhibited there. The soldiers' monu- 
ment, erected upon the apex of the mound, is the chief object of at- 
traction, more on account of the patriotic memories which cluster 
around it and its prominent location, than any intrinsic merit exhibited 
in the emblazonment of its shaft. Exhibitions of sculpture, at least 
equally meritorious, are visible on every hand, no inconsiderable por- 
tion of which was executed by our townsman, D. A. Bradley. To 
James Simpson, of Huntingdon, belongs the credit of furnishing the 
majority of neat iron railings which surround the various lots. 

N. W. Cunningham, formerly of Altoona, now of Chicago, recently 
presented his vault or mausoleum to the Altoona Fairview Cemetery 
association, the erection of which cost a considerable sum of money. 

OAK RIDGE CEMETERY. 

In 1878 a number of citizens of Altoona, believing that a necessity 
existed for the establishment of another cemetery, determined to form 
themselves into an association for that purpose. There were several 
reasons which led to this, one of the principal ones of which Avas that 
a general desire existed to have, for convenience, a cemetery on the 
east side of the city. The best location and the most suitable ground 
was found to be on the farm of G. T. Bell, of whom nine acres were 
bought and enclosed with a substantial picket fence. The ground 
is beautifully situated, with a south-eastern exposure, overlooking 
Pleasant Valley, and presenting romantic views of mountain scenery. 
The soil is of a fertile sandy loam, perfectly dry, sloping gently to the 
south-east, making the drainage perfect, and being well adapted to the 
rapid growth of trees, shrubbery and flowers. 

The association Avas incori)orated on December 16, 1878, under the 
name and title of "Oak Ridge Cenu'tery Association," and is con- 
ducted by a board of managers, who are not allowed any compensa- 
tion for their services. Bv the terms of the charter we notice that all 



144 HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY. 

F. W. OLMES. CARL OLMES. 

Olm es & Bro. 





11th Avenue, bet. 13th and Uth Streets, 

13th Street, between Tth and 8th Avenues, 

ALTOONA, PA. 



Beef, Mutton, Veal and Pork, 

SMOKED AND FRESH SAUSAGE, BOLOGNA AND PUDDING. 

We now claim not only to have the Finest Meat Markets, but sell the best meats, 
at prices to suit everybody. When it is considered tliat we buy all of the be&t 
AVestern stock, it is as cheap as it can be sold. 



JAMES W. FINDLEY'S 

INSURANCE AGENCY, 

11th Avenue, bet 12th and 13th Streets, 

SKCOKD FLOOR ALTOONA BANK BUILDING, ALTOONA, PA. 



Only souiKl and reliable companies represented. All losses promptly adjusted and 

paid at this office. Agent for Steamship Lines and dealer in Foreign 

Exchange and Drafts. 



J. WESLEY ALLEN, 

Homeopathic Physician and Surgeon, 

1330i Eleventh Avenue, Altoona, Pa. 



i S to I) a. m. 
Office Hours: ■ 1 tori p.m. CONSULTATIONS IN ENGLISH AND GERMAN. 

( 7 to 8 p. m. 



HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY. 145 

iiionoys derived froiii the sale of lots must he w^^vd in payiii.ti' for the 
gTouiid. and in ini proving' and heantifyiii,i>- it. After this has been 
done the moneys received shall lie in\csted in uood securities, and the 
interest accruing- shall constitute a iH'rpetual fund for keeping- the cent- 
etcry in g-ood order. The sale of lots up to the ]tr(>sent time has been 
so encouraf>'in<>- that the uianag'ers think they will bealile to make con- 
siderable improvements during- this year. The success of the associ- 
ation is, therefore, an assured fact. The fertility of the soil and the 
beanty of location must in a few years make this cemetery one of the 
most popular burial grounds in this }»ortion of the State. The officers 
are: Josei)h Dysart, i)resident; Theo. H. Wiyton, treasurer; H. B. 
Kendig, secretary. Joseph Dysart, George S. Eaby, Jolm W. Cherry, 
Jonathan Foreman, John Boynes, G. T. Bell and Richard J. Crozier 
are the managers. The election for otficers is held annuallv. 

ST. John's ckmetehy. 
The first purchase for a Catholic cemetery yvas made in 1851, be- 
ing a lot of ground lying in the Second ward. Before the second 
body was laid to rest in the new cemetery it was discovered that the 
location was not desirable, and also that the grounds were too limited 
to meet the wants of a large Catholic community. It was concluded, 
therefore, to make a second purchase. In 1858 the present cemetery, 
situated on the east side of the city, near the reservoir, was secured 
at a cost of about four thousand dollars. 

ST. Joseph's cemetery. 
In 18T1> the German Catholic congregation bought ground Ivlng 
close by St. John's cemetery, for about two thousand dollars, where 
they intend to lay their dead to rest. The location of both St. John's 
and St. Joseph's cemeteries is excellent; they look to the east, and 
with a continuance of the care and attention bestowed on improving 
and beautifying them, in a short time they will become picturesque 
and solemn "cities of the dead." 

EASTERN LIGHT CEMETERY. 

About the year I8(i5, John Ferguson, George Hooper and John 
Alexander purchased a lot of ground, fronting on Tenth street, east 
side, now adjoining Oak Ridge cemetery, for ninety-four dollars and 
sixty cents, to be used as a burial place for the colored people of this 
city, regardless of religious sect. Added to the cost of the uround, 
the improvements swelled the amount to alxmt three hundred dollars. 
The first stockholders consisted (»f the projectors alreadv named and 
Geo. M. .Tackson, Heiirv Johnson, (ieorye Pavne and Allan Hurlev. 



146 HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY. 



CITY FIRE DEPARTMENT. 



To Hon. B. F. Rose, the thoroughly competent and energ-etie 
chief engineer of the city fire department, we are indebted for the fol- 
lowing sketches of the fire companies of Altoona : 

December 15, 1859, was an eventful day in the history of Al- 
toona, on account of the introduction of gas and water. Previous' 
to that date there was no organized fire company. If there had been, 
apparatus would have been useless. During the summer of 1858, 
those old fire veterans, A. H. Maxwell and A. C. Yauclain, conceived 
the idea of organizing a fire company ; l)ut what, the question may be 
asked, would a company be without an engine ? To secure one a sub- 
scription was taken up and sufficient money secured to purchase the 
hand engine of the Good Will Fire company of Philadelphia. The 
organization hert' adopted the same name, "Good Will," and housed 
their engine on October 22, 1859. At the grand i)arade of December 
15, 1859, the Good Will nuxde their first appearance, equipped in dark 
pants, white shirts, black belts and glazed caps. 

In September, 18G(), the Empire Hook and Ladder com])any was 
instituted, and equipped with a good, substantial truck, ladders, etc.,, 
purchased from the Empire com))any of Lancaster. 

In 1867 the borough council created the offices of chief and assist- 
ant engineers. Alex. A. Smyth was chosen chief, and A. H. Max- 
well and B. F. Rose assistant engineers. Mr. Smyth served as chief 
about one year, when he resigned, and A. H. Maxwell was elected. 

The two companies forming the department, at that time, were 
deemed sufficient for the protection of property, but the numerous in- 
cendiary fires soon convinced the authorities that additional apparatus 
was needed. 

The Pennsylvania Railroad conqjany, early in 18G7, ordered from 
the Amoskeag Manufacturing company of Manchester, N. H., one of 
their fine second-class steamers. On the 4th of June of the same year, 
the engine arrived and was immediately placed in service, under the 
charge of AV. A. Adams and Adam Moss, members of the "Altoona 
Steam Fire Engine company." 

On the 12th of February, 1868, the legislature passed an act im- 
powering the burgess and council of the Ijorough of Altoona to levy 
and collect a special tax of twelve mills on the dollar, for three years, 
for the purpose of purchasing steam fire engines, etc. 



HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY. \i*J 

Council having- diH-ided to piiirhase two Amoslvoag nteamers, one 
for the Good Will company, on the east side, and the other for the 
west side of town, it was deemed necessary to org-anize another fire 
company. Accordingly a number of prominent young men formed 
themselves into a company, March 20, 1868, under the name of the 
"Vigilant Steam Fire Engine company." 

The two steamers Avere contracted for by A. H. Maxwell, chief en- 
gineer and chairman of Fire committee of council. On the fourth of 
July, 1868, the engines were placed in charge of the Good Will and 
Vigilant companies. 

In 1869 a number of young men organized the Excelsior Hose 
company. 

At this time, October, 1880, Altoona has five efficient fire compa- 
nies, forming as complete a five department as can be found anywhere 
in the State. [Although the Altoona Steam Fire Engine company 
does not belong to the fire department of the city, it cheerfully co- 
operates with it at all times in extinguishing fires.] 

ENGINE, HOSE. AND TRUCK HOUSES. 

In 1859 the Pennsylvania Railroad company erected a building 
on their land, corner Ninth avenue and Twelfth street, for the occu- 
pancy of the Good Will until that company could secure other quar- 
ters. Since the removal of the Good Will the railroad company has 
occupied the house with one of their two hose carriages, their steamer 
and the other carriage being kept in a building at the lower shops. 

The Vigilant building, on the corner of Thirteenth avenue and 
Twelfth street, was built in 18T0-1, and cost $17,423. 

The Empire building, on Tenth avenue, between Fourteenth and 
Fifteenth streets, was built in 1871-2, and cost $10,500. 

The Excelsior Hose company put up a building, on Tenth street, 
between Chestnut and Lexington avenues, in 1880, which cost about 
$1,000. 

A building for the Good Will Engine company, Fifth avenue and 
Thirteenth street, is now under contract, to cost $7,500. 

BOARD OF FIRE DEPARTMENT. 

The board of fire department consists of the following gentlemen : 
B. F. Rose, Vigilant, chief engineer ; Gust. Klemmert, Good Will, 
assistant engineer, eastern district ; John B. Stahl, Excelsior, assist- 
ant engineer, western district. Directors: A. C. Vauclain, sr., Good 
Will ; George B. Bennett, Vigilant ; W. R. Gamble, Empire ; Elmer 
Hackett, Excelsior. 



148 HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY. 

TERKEL C. NELSON, 



PRACTICAL 



Watchmaker -° JE^VELER, 

— AND DEALER IN — 

WATCHES, CLOCKS, JEWELRY, SILVER-PLATED WARE, ETC. 

1126 ELEVENTH AVENUE, ALTOONA, PA. 

DR. J. F. PULTON, 

OFFICE: Over Randolph's Drug Store, 

ALTOONA, PA. 



( 8 to 10 a. in. 

Office Hours : ^ 12 to -2 p. lu. 

( 6 to S p. 111. 



A. LUEBBERT, 



ianufac'Turer of and dealer in 



CIGARS, TOBUCCOS, PIPES, SNUFFS. 

lOOS SEVENTEENTH STREET, ALTOONA, PA. 



WM. B. MILLER, D. D. S. 

DENTAL OFFICE: 

13301 ELEVENTH AVENUE, - ALTOONA, PA. 

(UP STAIRS.) 



( s to Via. m 
Office Hours : ; 1 to .ii.io p. m. 
( ():;i() to'.t p. 111. 




SYLVAN SCEINE ON THE ALLEGHENIES, NEAR ALTOONA. 



HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY. 



149 



CHIEF ENGINEERS. 



The following is a list of the chief engineers since the organiza- 
tion of the department : 



Alexamler A. Smyth 1807 

A. H. Maxwen 18f58 

B. F. Rose 1869 

T. B. Pattou 1871 



E. Mountney 1873 

T. B. Patton 1875 

J. K. Garden 1877 

B. F. Rose 1879 



OFFICERS AND MEMBERS OF THE GOOD WILL COMPANY. 



A. C. Vauclain, sr., prest. 
J. T. Dougherty, vice pres. 
John Malady, secretary. 
James E. Gardner, asst. sec. 
John R. Garden, treas. 
Wm. F. Enney, engineer. 

ACTIVE MEMBEPS. 

George Bowman, 

J . Sapp, 

D. LatTerty, 

J. McCnllough, 

F. Endress, 

J. Carney, 

N. Criim, 

W. Alleman, 

A. Gamble, 

€. Filer, 

D. Shultzherger, 

J. Kelly, 

R. Lowther, 

AY. L. Faisick, 

J. Kimmell, 

•J. P. Faisick, 

W. Young, 

K. Kearns, 

VVm. F. Enney, 

J. Leng, 

J. T. Pendergast, 

J. Ford, 

I. Price, 



C. C. Smith, 
C. E. Renner, 
J. E. Gardner, 
G. T. Plumnier, 
W. McBride, 
M. Weakland, 
M. Fagan, 
T. Rilev. 
F. J. O'Kain, 
L. Wichum, 
Theo. Reis, 
J. Carney, 
C. W. Smith, 
W. Isett, 
R. IMcGi-aw, 
1). Donahue, 
F. Hammers, 

B. Higgins, 
S. Renner, 

C. Cornelius, 

D. Robertson, 
W. Hutlson, 
T. Tierney, 
H. Smith, 

F. Clabaugh, 

G. Treeee, 
T.Patterson. 

HONORARY MEMBERS. 

A. H. Maxwell, 
A. C. Vauclain, sr.. 



W. A. Adams, 

W. Riches. 

J. A. Hindman, 

G. S. Debray, 

II. Bowers, 

A. C. ^'auclain, jr. 

I), (^lav, 

A. A. Sinvth, 

I). Mccioskey, 

J. T. Doughe'rty, 

J. Bulger, 

D. Love. 

J. Galceran, 

P. Logue. 

C. S. Cordes, 
A. R. Moss, 
A. H. O'Neil, 

F. Custer, 
J. Klink, 
T. Heacock, 

D. Stackhouse, 

G. Klemmert, 
J. Malady, 
W. Rice, ■ 

J. Bra<ll('y. 
H. Stackliouse, 
T. McKee, 
.1. R. Garden, 
P. Drumgold. 



OFFICERS AND MEMBERS OF THE EMPIRE COMPANY. 



W. W. Smith, president. 
Jas. McMurray, vice pres. 
Charles Gern, secretary. 
•C. Gardner, assistant sec. 
J. A. Weidensall, treas. 

ACTIVE MEMBERS. 

M. Alexander, 

S. W. Arble, 

J. W. Anderson, 

J. H. Burley, 

li. Burley, 

A. Behm, 

R. Black, 

M. A. Condriu, 

W. D. Couch, 

T. D. Crawford, 

P. Clare, 

H. Dougherty, 

A. Engle, 

J. Fraley. 

P. Flynn, 

J. Fu'ltz. 

W. R. Gamble, 

C, E. Gardner, 

M. Gardner, 

H. Gardner, 

1). A. Ginand, 

11 



J. J. Gehrdes, 
Charles Gern 
George Houck, 
C. Houck, 
E. B. Haines, 
V. Hudson, 
Levi Knott, 
W. Knejiper, 
H. McCormick. 
J. McMurray, 
T. B. Patton, 
C. Petschelt, 
George Reeves, 
J. Raymond, 
J. Rahip, 
S. S. stains, 
J. N. Stevens, 
W. W. Smith, 
W. Vanglin, 
J. A. Weidensall, 
M. Yeager. 

LIFE AND CONTRIBUTING 
MEMBERS. 

B. Berkowitz, 

C. L. Fettinger, 
S. M. Griffltli, 
R. McMahan, 



L. B. Pancake, 
VV. J. Allen, 
H. C. Dern, 
S. I. Fries, 
A. F. Heess, 
J. Lutz, 

E. B. McCrum, 
L. Plack, 

C. Wahl, 

D. K. Ramey. 
W. Alexander, 
S. C. Baker, 

D. F. Beegle, 

F. Blumhardt, 
H. Fettinger, sr., 
S. Smith, 

E. M. Jones, 

G. Kessler, 
W. M. Lloyd, 

J. L. Reifsnj'der, 
E. F. Lytle, 
John Loudon, 
R. A. O. Kerr, 
S. M. Woodcock, 
M. R. Jones, 
C. Yeager, 
S. Christ. 
W. Keller. 



150 



HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY. 



OFFICERS AND MEMBERS OF THE VIGILANT COMPANY, 



Irank Molloy, president. 
W. M. Rose, secretary. 
B. W. Story, assistant sec. 
Jolin Schenlr, treasurer. 
E. Lippett, engineer. 
G. H. Maxwell, iireman. 

ACTIVE AND HONORARY MEM 
HERS. 

B. F. Rose, 

C. M. Ilackett, 
C. S. Taylor, 
Samnel Black, 
H. C. Dern, 

G. T. Bell, 
K. Mountney, 
W. L. Hallack, 
G. M. Metz, 
Theo.. Burchfield, 
W. M. Rose, 

F. Duniphy, 
H. Barr, 

W. H. .Johnson, 

J. B. Gray, 

■T. L. Rickabauffli, 

T. B. Story, 

•T. .Johnston, 

J. Adams, 

W. H. Bennett, 

A. H. Graham, 

•I. Paisley, 

C. A. Sziiik, 
H. Beam, 
H. Bitter, 
W. SimiJson, 

G. B. Bennett, 

D. McElilownoy, 
W. C. Alexander, 
B. W. Siory, 
•T. E. Winn, 
W. Pimloit, 

E. Folk. 
C Esterline, 
G. H. Maxwell, 
I. VYard, 

F. Copley, 
J. S. Smitli, 

E. Lippett, 
-T. \V. Arnsberaer, 
T. Winn, 

J. P. Montgomery, 
C. Iiei)liart, 

B. W. Coyle, 

F. Story, 

C. Herr, 
C. Adams, 
W. Davis, 
M. Zimmerman, 
J. Espenlanb, 
X. Davis, 



M. Vetter, 
S. W. Beegle, 

D. Condrin, 
W. Gundecker, 
W. H. Eynon, 
H. Butler, 

E. Cassidav, 
J. W. Leslie, 
G. P. Levan, 
C. Cassiday, 
Jacob Stier, 
C. Flinn, 

R. Stelile, 
H. Parsons, 
C. Ranch, 
R. L. McCartney. 
W. Ake, 
H. K. Story, 
G. W. Kelly, 
•T. V. Smith, 

B. Bennett, 

J. Hopkinson, 
P. Smith, 
H. Brogan, 
J. Stehle, 
J. Dixen, 

C. Ensljrenner, 
J. H. Schenk, 
L. R. Lev'an, 

G. F. Fresli, 
A. M. Stewart, 
M. McCartney, 
I). KiltUiy, 
II. Kimnierling, 
L. Smitli, 
J. Goldman, 
T. W. Jackson. 

LIFE MEMBERS. 



E. L. Taylor, 

Fred Raiuey, 

W. A. McCormick, 

G. Brunner, 

John F. Bowman, 

John Stehle. 

William Murray, 
I Godfrey Wolf, 

G. VY. Sparks, 
AY. H. Durborrow, 

Adam Behm, 

C. C. Shannon, 

John M. Bowman, 
IE. H. Williams, 
R. A. O. Kerr, 
Jacob Snyder, 
C. Behm, 
Wm. Myers, 
Dr.J. T. Christy, 
W. Rodamore, 
James S. Mann, 



IF. W. Olmes, 
Christ Wahl, 
L. P. Work, 
W. S. Bittner, 
M. Clabaugh, 
James Kearney, 
G. W. Kessler, 
S. C. Baker, 
D. K. Ramev, 

C. C. Mason", 
Hon. B. L. Hewitt, 
Hon. D. J. Morrell, 
A. S. Morrow, 
Hon. Samuel Calvin, 

D. Koch, ' 
Henry El way. 
George Rosen berger, 
Rt. Rev. Bishop J. Tuif 
John A. Sprankle, 
John P. Levtin, 
James H. Dysart, 

D. Laughman, 
John L. Ickes, 
G. L. Myers, 
D. J. Netr, 
George Dixon, 
P. Vetter, 
H. Fettinger, sr., 

C. Guyer, 

Hon. Jolm A. Lemon. 
Wm. Kemp, 

D. T. Cahlwell, 
I. Farabaugli, 
John O'Neil, 
Wm. H. Renner, 
Daniel Price, 
Jacob Rink, 
Win. Conroy, 
W. A. Adams, 

J. M. Stonebraker, 
Dr. Walter Bell, 

F. X. Endress, 
Samuel Smith, 
Steijlien Bewley, 

E. Powell, 

r. V. Mazurie, 
D. P. Ray. 
Louis Plack, 
John H. Friedley, 
John Trout, 
J. Carland, 

G. W. Stewart, 
S. A. Christ, 
John A. Smith, 
J. E. (iintner, 
A. F. Heess, 
Joseph Watson, 
John Loudon, 
Frank Molloy, 
X. F. Mervine, 



HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY. 



151 



OFFICERS AND .MEMUKRS OF THE EXCELSIOR COMPANY. 



Ennnett P. Davis, president 
J. W. Elway, 1st vice pres. 
G. JI. Atkinson, '2(1 " 
William O. Ronsh, treas. 
II. 1). Alexander, sec'y. 
T. W . Allenian, asst. sec'y. 

MEMBERS. 

R. E. Stontfer, 
H. E. Ferguson, 
Joseph ^\';^tts, 
H. M. Ferguson, 
James McCormick, 
H. D. Alexantler, 
H. M. Parker. 
William Heller, 
J. R. Runyeon, 



EniuH'tt 1*. Davis, 
Will ,). Ferguson, 
William Roush, 
J. W. Elway, 
William Copley, 
Derbin Trout, 
Robert Goodwin, 
George Wigand, 
Clay Cherry, 
'•Jeorge I'uliiier, 
James Stitzel, 
Elmer Hackett, 
.John Espenlaub, jr. 

F. J. Stehle, 
J. li. Stahl, 

T. W. Alleman, 

G. M. Atkinson, 
George Leslie, 



Charles Klink, 
.Tohn Tj. Yeatts, 
L. 15. Weisgarver, 
N. J. Ehrlnger, 
Thomas Clabaugh, 
Charles Loreman, 
James Miller. 
William Weisenberg, 
Charles Garrettson, 
George Inlew, 
George Fultz, 
Harry Smith, 
William Clark, 
George i\ Krick, 
John Irvine, 
P. McDonongh, 
Herman J. L. Piper. 



OFFICERS AND MEMBERS OF THE ALTOONA COMPANY. 



Andrew Kipple. loreman. 
G. F. McNoIdy, 1st asst. 
M. Valentine, '2d asst. 
M. D. Carrolus, 3d asst. 
J. D. StoutTer, secretary. 
W. A. Adams, engineer. 
Harry Geesey, lireman. 

MEMBERS. 

A. Kipple, 

G. R. Waggoner, 

G. W. Sands, 

W. Shultzberger, 

J. Irwin, 

S. Bumgardner, 

L. K. Y'oung, 

G. Filer, 

C. Patterson, 

W. Ferguson, 

W. Irwin, 

Harry Geesy, 

M. B. Stouch, 

W. W. Green, 

C. C. Wilson, 

D. Miller, 
M. Fichtner, 

F. Richter, 

J. A. Walters, 
H. Swanger, 
C. W. Kerlin, 
C. Salsburg, 

G. Davis, 

M. D. Carrolus, 
G. C. Detrow, 
G. L. Adams, 
J. ITllery, 

E. Clegg, 



J. H. White, 

G. W. Blackburn, 

E. A. Grindle, 

A. E. Rickabaugh, 

R. W. Ttiylor, 

S. Groves, 

G. Carrolus, 

W. Green, 

C. Mel lor, 

M. Valentine, 

I. Wyant, 

C. S. Nicodeiiius, 

H. Rettburg, 

G. Slater, 

J. I>. Stouffer, 

Christ (iern. 

T. Blackburn, 

J. McNoldv,ir., 

C. W. Smitli, 
W. H. Sliaw, 
H. Kriner, 
A. Cretin, 
M. Wilkins, 
S. Gaily, 

0. L. Forrister, 
M. H. Foose, 
G. B. Smith, 

D. S. Markey, 
W. B. Hershey, 
G. Tompkins, 

1. Kelly, 
L. Statler, 
J. Roberts. 

E. K. Hamilton, 
C. A. Weidman, 
G. Moore, 

R. Woods, 
P McGarvey, 



E. v.. Johnson 

L. W. Vaughn, 

.1. Smithhammer, 

J. Foster, 

E. L. Price, 

H. Stover, 

W. Brinkman, 

C. L. Hiltner, 
W. Grindle, 

P. F. Barkdoll, 
E. N. Moore, 
J. Filer, 
J. Eagle, 

D. F. Mauk, 
J. L. Smelser, 
J. Wertsberger, 
C. Rath, 

C. Labe, 

J. Lantz, 

W. Moore, 

A. Pietsch, 

J. C. Palmer, 

C. W. Armstrong, 

J. R. Fraser, 

R. Wilson, 

C. H. Bragonier, 
A. C. Lytle, 

G. Rupert, 

E. S. Hall, 
T. P. Clegg. 
J. Foust, 

D. M. Keckler, 
R. A. Isenberg. 
L. G. Flemming, 
G. Curtis. 

G. F. McNoldy, 

W. A. Adams, 

N. P. Cunningham. 



152 . HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY. 

PALMER & MORSE, 

MANUFACTURERS OF EVERY DESCRIPTION OF 

Coaches, 
Carriages, 
Sulkies 




iGHT i Hemy Spring ¥iigons, 

SLEIGHS, ETC. 



REPAIRING IN ALL ITS BRANCHES DONE 

WITH Dispatch. 



Eighth Street, bet. Sixth and Seventh A\'enues, 

ALTOONA, PA. 



HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY. 153 



GAS AND WATER DEPARTMENTS. 



WATER DEPARTMENT. 

"The Gas and Water Company of Altoona," was incorporated 
April 9, 1859, upon whicli the city was dependent for both water and 
gas. [See pages 63 and 65.] Its first officers were: Tresident, 
William H. Wilson; treasurer, Wm. M. Lloyd; secretary, B. F. 
Rose; managers, John Shoemaker, Enos M. Jones, Charles J. Mann, 
Albert B. Clark and George B. Cramer ; superintendent, Thomas S. 
Francis. The name of the company, on May 9, ISU, was changed 
to "Altoona Gas Company," and on September 10, 1812, the water 
pipes were sold to the city authorities. The reservoirs at Pottsgrove, 
with the company's interest in water power of Pottsgrove mill and in 
the twelve-inch main from there to Twelfth street reservoir, were 
sold to the Pennsylvania Railroad company. 

Without repeating what is said on page 65 in regard to increasing 
the water supply at the time referred to, and the means by which it 
was effected, we are confidant in saying that no one supposed that in 
so short a period it would prove inadequate to the requirements of 
the population, which has nearly doubled, within the last ten years. 

At an early period of the present year (1880) the subject of in- 
creasing the supply of water, which had been agitating the commun- 
ity for several years, began to be regarded as one of prime import- 
ance, requiring prompt attention. Such was the scarcity of water 
during the previous summer (1879) that nearly all the Pennsylvania 
Railroad company's engines were directed to stop and take water at 
other points ; thus entailing, at the same time and by the same cause, 
serious loss and forced idleness to workmen in the shops, loss to the 
railroad company in having to stop work and in being compelled to 
take water supplies at inconvenient points, and loss and great incon- 
venience to every consumer in the city. 

About three hundred houses had been erected during that season, 
rendering an additional quantity essential, to say nothing of the pre- 
dicament the city would have been in had an extensive conflagration 
occurred. At a meeting of the city council, held on the evening of 
June 14, 1880, the following was offered by A. F. Kerr, which was 
adopted by the council : 

Whereas, The city is poorly supplieil witli water pipes, and the reservoirs are 
too smaU to retain an adequate supply during dry seasons ; 



154 HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY. 

And Whereas, The reservoir of the city cannot \>e relied on to meet the defl- 
cieney in this direction : No-\v, tlierefore, may it be ordained, etc., 

That in order to extend the water pipes tlirougli the city, and increase the sup- 
ply of water, this council negotiate a loan of $60,000, in accordance with the author- 
ity given them by Act of Assembly of 1874, and supplements thereto, and the 
Mayor is hereby instructed to give the proper notice, as provided by law, and to 
direct an election to be lield on the 20th day of July, 1880, to the end that the quali- 
fied voters of this city may have the opportunity to approve or disapprove of said 
loan. 

In accordance with the above, on the 23d of June, Mayor How- 
ard issued a prockmiation appointing- an election to be held on the 
23d day of the following- month, but in consequence of the inability 
of a committee which had been appointed by council to make esti- 
mates of the cost of constructing- a dam at Kittanning- Point,* the 
election was postponed until August 2, when a majority of seven 
hundred and thirty -nine citizens voted in favor of the loan. 

At a special meeting of the city council, held on the evening of 
August 11, the following resolution was offered by Mr. Kerr and 
passed by that body by a vote of seven to five: 

Resolved, That the Committee on Water be and they are hereby instructed to 
purchase water pipes, hydrants and material neede<l for laying of the same in such 
quantities and at such times as they may deem proper, such purchase not to exceed 
in the aggregate $15,000. The laj'ing of the pipe shall commence as quickly as a 
supply can be obtained, and the digging of the trenches for said pipe shall be let to 
the lowest bidder ; and the committee may, if they lind it needful, let tlie laying of 
the water pipe to the lowest responsible bidder, the successful bidder to furnish 
bonds to be approved by the committee and city solicitor. 

Shortly after the contract of laying the pipe was awarded to Da- 
vid Wylie, plumber and gas fitter, who, on the 7th of September com- 
menced the work. 

THE GAS WORKS. 

On April 9, 1850, the "Gas and Water Company of Altoona" 
was incorporated. [For names of first officers see page 153.] 

On December 15, 1859, gas was first introduced into the pipes. 

On May 9, 1871, having previously disposed of their water prop- 
erty to the Pennsylvania Railroad and Altoona, the name was changed 
to "Altoona Gas Company," and retains that name to the present 
time. 

*In compliance with a request by the city council a corps of Pennsyi^■ania 
Railroad company engineers made a complete map of the proposed reservoir or 
dam on the city property at Kittanning Point, and gave the following estimate of 
the cost of its construction : For grubbing and cleaning, $792 ; moving 9,640 yards 
of earth, $2,838; moving 2,8.50 yards of muck, $997..'J0 ; moving .5,840 yards of puddle 
earth, $4,380; moving 1,(M)3 yards of riprap, $4.51.3.5: moving 1..500 yards of overflow, 
$450; masonry and paving outlet, $4,000; contingencies, $1,000; total, $14,908.85. 

They also made a map of a proposed reservoir on Loudon 's Hill, and also of two 
places to the right (coming into Altoona) of the Wopsonnonock road, but have at 
this time of writing made no report. 



HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY. 155 

Tlu' capacity of the gas works, when first started, was 30,000 
feet pen- day; present capacity, 150,000 feet per day. The first price 
of gas was three dollars ])er 1,000 feet, and ten per cent, added when 
not paid in ten days after |>resentation of bills; present [)rice two 
dollars per 1,000 feet. 

Improvements have recently Ijeen made. An addition of fifteen 
feet has been made to the purifying- room. The present purifiers, six 
by eight feet, will be replaced by a new set ten by fourteen feet, and 
with three times the power of the old ones. 

The eastern side of the city, especially be3^ond Sixth avenue, has 
often been poorly lighted when the shops Avere running. This was 
not caused by inferior gas, but by the light pressure. That part of 
the city was sui)plied by a four inch main from which the shops also 
tapped. In order to remedy it there was laid a six inch main across 
Twelfth street, and since that time no complaint has been made. 

The average consumption of gas per day, in summer time, is fifty 
thousand feet, five tons of coal being required to make it. The coal 
produces from four and one-half to five cubic feet of gas for every 
pound used. During the summer and winter the supply varies 
greatly. One month the amount of gas used was over 3,300,000 feet, 
"but this fluctuates and depends largely on the work in the company's 
shops. 

There is now in use a plan by which all the gas tar, or the greater 
part of it, is burnt, and used in place of coke under the gas retorts. It 
makes an intensely hot fire and thrown into the furnace in a small 
stream answers very satisfactorily. By this means nearly all the 
•coke remains for sale and finds a ready market among city consumers. 

At the election of officers, May 2, 1880, the following were chosen : 
President, J. B. Collin ; secretary, W. S. Humes ; treasurer, W. D. 
•Couch ; superintendent and engineer, T. W. Cole ; assistant engineer, 
D. T. Kantner ; managers, W. H. Wilson, Enoch Lewis, H. C. Dern, 
'Clement Jaggard and George W. Patton. 

The works are located on Eleventh avenue near Ninth street. 



156 HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIE COUNTY. 

;jTERESTING MuSEUM 

OF CURIOSITIES, 



EMBRACING ARTICLES SUITED FOR 



GIFTS OR PRESENTS, 



ALWAYS TO BE FOUND AT 



CURTIS' 

GREAT VARIETY AND MAMMOTH 

Dollar Store, 

REMODELED, ENLARGED m IMPROVED, 

PRESENTING AN UNEQUALED APPEARANCE AND CONTAINING THE 

Mnest Goods for the Least Money. 



EVJiRYBODY WELCOME. Xo one urged to buy. Courteous salesladies always 
in attendance. CASH AND ONE PRICE. 



Small Dealers', Pedlars' and Merchants' Supplies at Wholesale Prices. 



Wapljfactlifer3' ilgept? for JlioW Ca3e? apd Baby Carriage?. 



Curtis' Great Variety Store, 



(IN THE MOST CENTRAL BLOCK,) 
ALTOONA, PA. 



HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY. IST 



PENNSYLVANIA RAILROAD COMPANY'S SHOPS. 



INTRODUCTORY REMARKS. 



One hundred and twenty-two acres of ground are occupied for 
business purposes by the Pennsylvania Raih-oad company in this 
city. On this are erected the passenger station and the Logan 
House ; freight warehouse ; offices of the general superintendent ; 
the superintendent of motive power ; the superintendent of transpor- 
tation, with their appurtenances, and the following additional build- 
ings: Three engine or round houses; iron and brass foundries; ma- 
chine shops; paint shops; blacksmith shops; coaling platform; freight 
car works; passenger car shop; planing mill; tin and cabinet shops; 
upholstery shop ; store houses; fire engine room ; lumber dryer ; car 
shed, etc., having an aggregate frontage of fully two miles. All the 
buildings, excepting the paint shop, car shed and the temporary wheel 
foundry, are composed of brick or stone, substantially constructed on 
the most approved plans, and the tools and machinery used in them 
are the best that can be procured. As a consequence the work is of 
the highest standard, and at the minimum cost. 

It is difficult to analyze the impressions left by a visit to the shops 
of the Pennsylvania Railroad. The progress that is silently yet 
surely underway is difficult to grasp, for the work that the company 
is doing, a work of national importance, comes upon you with the 
sharp force of a revelation. There is, indeed, a revolution in pro- 
gress here. You feel it ; you recognize the tremendous influence 
that is emanating and must emanate from the metropolitan city of 
the Alleghenies, spreading like ripples upon the surface of a pond, 
until our whole country feels the force of railroad science carried to 
its conclusion. It is a fact universally conceded that the Pennsyl- 
vania railroad company is the leader of the van of progress. Every 
month, every year it institutes the most exact scientific researches, 
tests, experiments and observations governed by the sole idea of ob- 
taining railroad perfection ; and the benefit of each year's crystallized 
experience forms the basis of the oi>erations, constantly progressive, 
of the following twelve months. A corps of scientists, regularly in 
the employ of the company, devotes its entire time, intelligence, acu- 
men and energy in determining what is best in everything, and the 
result is not only to furnish the road with what is wanted but to 



158 HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY. 

gradually raise and purify the products of manufacturers of railroad 
supplies. A single instance will illustrate the subject. By other 
railroad companies, generally speaking, a car spring is ordered with 
due reference to its dimensions only, the name of a good maker be- 
ing considered a sufficient guarantee of its quality. The spring ar- 
rives, is put in position, and after serving its time it is condemned, 
taken out and disposed of, and that is the end of it. At the shops of 
the Pennsylvania Railroad no spring is received from the manufac- 
turer that does not rigidly conform to a prepared specification, a speci- 
fication that calls not only for absolutely correct dimensions, but in- 
sists upon a soft, slow movement, regularity of action, certain qual- 
ity of steel, and a hundred requirements which cause the spring to be 
as near perfection as possible. Such springs, also, are not only tested 
before being placed to determine their probable performance, but are 
tested again after condemnation, to better ascertain the cause of failure, 
or, in other words, to learn just how new springs must be made to 
obviate what proved weakness in the old. Everything is therefore 
based on a system of betterments ; on the theory of always improv- 
ing by correcting each discovered fault ; a system of thorough eman- 
cipation from blunder, with the always sought result of perfection. 




MOTIVE POWER DEPARTMENT OR "UPPER SHOPS." 

We have premised this much to give to the reader a faint idea of 
the spirit which pervades the "upper" machine shop to which we are 
al)out to introduce him. And it must be always borne in mind that 
it is entirely on the initiati\-e of the Tennsylvania Railroad that the 
experiments to which we shall call attention have been instituted and 
carried to their present conclusion ; experiments that, while every 
railroad would readily acknowledge to be of inestimable value, would 
yet leave to the manufacturers to carry out. And they, for want of 
better facilities, never could carry them out. Bearing this in mind. 



HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLATR COUNTY. 159 

we will (Mitor the iniieliiiie sh()i)s and learn aljout the l)h'th, life and 
death of a railroad loeoinotiv<'. As we pass over Twelfth street 
hridg-e that arches the main line, sonui idea of the extent of the shops 
is gathered, though the actual fact that the area of the yard is 24.33 
acres is hardly patent. The area of the first floor of the shops is 
6.409 acres, and of tlie second floor is .933. There are also in this 
yard thret' round houses covering- an area of nearly three and one- 
fourth acres ! Where everything is usually so sombre, overlaid as a 
machine shoj) must naturally be with coaldust, it is indeed a hajjpy 
thought to notice here and there in the grounds, during the spring, 
summer and fall months, flower beds filled with the gorgeous bloom 
of scarlet geraniums and other brightly-dressed plants. It indicates, 
also, a softer side to the life of these grimy men ; it argues well for 
the liberality of the employers. And it must be mainly this that has 
induced such a vital spirit of cleanliness all through the yard. Pass- 
ing by one of these l)eds, we enter the 

BLACKSMITH SHOP, 

Avhere the i)reliminary process of engine making begins — the heavy 
forging of the locomotive frames and the making of a great many 
forgings by means of dies. Just here Ave will mention that, in noting 
the various shops in which a locomotive is made, only such points as 
are remarkable and such processes as are novel will be dwelt upon. 
This shop has a floor area of 23,280 feet, and contains twenty -five 
double brick forges and seven steam hammers, the two largest of 
which are of 5,000 pounds. Heavier pieces than those formed by 
the dies referred to are fashioned under the hammer on cast iron 
blocks and shaped to the desired form. The work turned out of 
these dies, which is always at one heat, include ends of valve rods, 
links, etc. After the frame is begun and begins to take recognizable 
shape, the frame passes out, passing by a large shearing machine cap- 
able of cutting the heaviest sections of steel rails as if they were pa- 
per, and into 

THE MACHINE SHOP, 

a l)uilding 42G feet long, where it is laid first on a planer and then on 
a slotting machine. This machine takes the right and left of a frame 
at the same time. Another noticeable machine in this shop is a ver- 
tical milling machine, in which the table revolves and moves at right 
angles. Almost any shape can be finished on this machine at one op- 
eration. A horizontal milling machine near bv saves many hours in 



160 HISTORY OP ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY. 

C. A. DIMOND & CO., 



DEALER IN ALL KINDS OP 




,, KINDLING 

AND A GOOD QUALITY OF 

MoTintain Building Stone. 

Brick, Sand, Lime § Hair. 

FLOUR, FEED, ETC. 

Our rule is to sell the best goods at the lowest prices, iuid extend courteous treat- 
ment to all. 



9tli Avenue, between ITth and ISth Streets, 

ALTOONA, PA. 



M. G. LINGENFELTER, 



— DEALER IN — 



Groceries, Flour, Feed, 

VEGETABLES IN SEASON, 

Canned Fruits, Provisions of all kinds, Notions, Etc. 
Corner 14th Street and 12th Avenue, ALTOONA, PA. 



RUDISILL BROTHERS, 

Watchmakers^Jewelers 

1310 Eleventh Avenue, Altoona, Pa. 



Sole agents for the Kockfoud Railroad Watch ; also, sole agents for the celebrated 

Lemare's Rock Crystal Spectacles. Particular attention given to repairing 

line watches and jewelry. 



HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY. IGl 

surfacing accurate!}- all kinds of work, such as steam chest joints, the 
machine traveling- all around the olyect. Catching your eye in a cor- 
ner of this room is a small enclosure slatted off". It is the tool and 
standard sample shop. And here, again, you notice how thoroughly 
every part of this great .system has been thought out. All gauges, 
templates, etc., are furnished on standard measurements. No work- 
man is allowed to set a pair of callipers for himself ; they are made 
rigid. The motive of this is at once obvious. It insures against er- 
ror ; error that the most skilled labor could not but commit, for no 
man can repeat absolutely accurately any delicate mechanical opera- 
tion ; it allows the employment of men less highly skilled than used 
to be the case in fine work, and it insures also absolute interchangea- 
bility of parts in engines of the same class. All parts, tools, etc., are 
numbered in a printed catalogue, and everything is requisitioned 
from such catalogue. The tools themselves are in the care of men 
who furnish a certain numljer of the commoner tools to each me- 
chanic, and when he brings a broken one it is repaired here, saving 
in this way both the time and confusion that usually is noted at the 
forge. For other than common tools, obtained ffoni the storeroom, 
each workman is furnished with a brass check upon which is his num- 
ber. He takes out a tool, and his num))er is hung in its stead. The 
planing machines in this shop arc arranged in pairs, so that two of 
them can be operated by one man. It is the system also to place as 
large a number of similar pieces at one operation as possible, and this 
principle rules through all the shops. It is also noticeable here that 
in turning up cast iron, chilled cast iron tools are used instead of 
steel, which would dull more easily. 

THE VISE SHOP. 

■ Passing into the vise shop, an interesting machine is finishing the 
coupling rods on a grindstone with an emery wheel, a machine that 
saves a great deal in "trueing up" of old guides formerly done on a 
planer. By this means only the smallest amount of metal is removed 
and time saved. The emery wheel has entirely replaced the file for 
such work. But there is plenty of other work that the wheels cannot 
"smooth up," and which gives employment to about fifty men. As 
you cross the yard to where the c}iinders are being bored you notice 
a pile of steel tires being heated so as to be placed upon the driving- 
wheels, it having been found that the contraction of the metal is suf- 
ficient to keep them always in place. The cylinders are bored two at 
a time. While all this has been going on, over in the boiler shop the 



162 HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY. 

boiler of our locomotive is in process of construction from entirely 
steel plates, iron having been long ago discarded. 

THE BOILER SHOP 

is divided into the erecting, the flanging and the tank departments, 
this last named including the manufacture of tender and engine tanks, 
ash pans, water troughs for track tanks, etc. All of these are also 
made of steel, sheet-iron having been abandoned. In the flanging de- 
partment are three flanging forges on Nixon's patent, by which any 
desired form can be given to the fire. This obviates all danger of 
straining and cracking, which was inseparable from the old method. 
In the erecting room of the boiler shop are placed the punches, bend- 
ing rolls and shears required, as well as a large steel riveting ma- 
chine, which rivets each bolt in two blows. To handle the work there 
are here two ten-ton jib cranes and the Stowe flexible shaft. Simul- 
taneously with the preparation of the boiler for our locomotive, 
over in 

• THE FOUNDRY 

all sorts of castings for its construction are in progress. This foun- 
dry you find is 250 feet long and 100 feet wide, with thirty-four feet 
and ten inches to the roof ties. The roof is surmounted by a venti- 
lator 213 feet long and twenty-eight feet nine inches span. About 
thirty-five tons of iron a day are consumed in the castings, Avhich are 
made mainly on the snap flask and match card systems. The mould, 
for cylinders, as well as many small things, is made of sharp sand 
mixed with flour and molasses, covered with l)l;ick lead and leaked in 
huge ovens. The moulding machines are marvels of ingenuity, parts 
of the pattern moving before the whole of it, thus pr(^serving the 
sharp edges. A second wing of the main foundry contains the brass 
foundry, which has eighteen melting furnaces ranged round a chim- 
ney stack seventy feet high. Phosi)hor-bronze is used for all journal 
bearings made here. Zincs cast in chilled moulds are manufactured 
for use in electric batteries, and the whole foundry has an admirable 
ventilation. From the foundry you go to 

THE FIRST ERECTIN(J SHOP, 

where the frames and the boiler of our locomotive are fitted together 
and made one. The various parts are bolted and riveted here, and 
then the locomotive, now approaching form, is run out ujion a trans- 
fer table by means of a windlass, and carried nlong to the door of 



HISTORY or ALTOONA ANT) BLATR COUNTY. 163 

THE SECOND ERECTING SHOP. 

This shop is one of the most complete and best arranged in the col- 
lection. It is 350x57 feet, and there are three lines of rails running 
the full length of it. There is ample room for seven engines on each 
track, and, in cases of emergency, nine. For facility in handling the 
work there are two overhead traveling cranes, each of twenty-five 
tons capacity. They run upon rails placed along each side of the 
building, at a sufficient height fibove the ground, and fifty-nine feet 
apart. Each crane con.sists of two plate-iron girders, weighing to- 
gether eighteen tons, and carrying at their ends the frame and wheels 
with which they run upon the rails. Upon rails laid upon these 
girders traveling crabs run to and fro. The cranes are driven by a 
cotton rope, traveling at the rate of 5,074 feet \)vv minute, and the 
power is applied by the friction of this running rope upon grooved 
wheels, on the shaft of which are worms working into worm Avheels, 
and thence to reducing gear. The crane travels longitudinally at the 
rate of forty-eight feet a minute, carrying the heaviest locomotive as 
if it were a ginger snap at the end of a string ; the crabs travel thirty 
feet a minute. There are two hoisting speeds — the quick, eight feet 
one inch a minute, the slow, eighteen inches in the same time. Be- 
low the door of this shop, on each side of the centre track, are deep 
paved pits extending the whole length of the building, in which are 
stored the machinery or other parts of engines, the boilers of which 
are sent for repair. Wheels five feet six inches in diameter can be 
stored in these pits. Within the pits a system of pipes is laid in con- 
nection with a Worthington pressure and force pump and with two 
steam boilers. This arrangement is employed for testing the boilers 
by hydraulic pressure before they leave the shop, the test rising to 
one hundred and fifty pounds per square inch, and also for testing by 
steam at one hundred and twenty-five pounds per square inch. This 
does away with all the old annoying system of smoky fires and un- 
satisfactory tests, and is a big step forward. Our engine is thus 
ready, as far as metal work is concerned. She is almost complete, 
and has answered in construction every test. 

THE PAINT SHOP. 

It is now sent to the paint shop, 345x32 feet, and here it must re- 
main twelve days according to schedule. Painting iron is always a 
slow process; it requires so much careful preparing with white lead. 
The paints u.sed in decoration have all been tested as to their wear- 
ing qualities, and these, chemical analyses have demonstrated how 



164 



HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY. 



H 



rn 



H 




H 



m 



Boss Store Still Ahead. 

Best Goods at Popular Prices. 

On our first and second floors will be found a large and complete stock of such 

goods as are kept In a First-class Dry Goods, Notion and Fancy Gooils Store, 

at prices as low, and oftentimes lower than any other store in Blair 

county. A trial purchase will convince you of our bargains. 



DRY GOODS, 

DRESS GOODS, 

SILKS, SATINS, VELVETS, 

Beaver Cloths, Waterproofs, Cashmeres, CaHcoes, 
Flannels, Muslins, &c. 



FULL LINE OF KID GLOYES-ALL SHADES. 



Blankets and Haps. 



AN ESPECIALLY LAROE STOCK OP 



CARPETS AND OIL CLOTHS, 

WINDOW SHADES AND FIXTURES, 

Always on liand and sold at the very lowest prices. Also, Agent for the " GREAT 
PEAKL,"an(l " BOSS " SHIRTS, and BUTTERICK'S PATTERNS. 

J. M. Bowman, 

(SUCCESSOR TO BOWiMAN & MORROW,) 

lltli Avenue and 12th Street, Altoona, Pa. 



HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY. 1 f)5 

they shall be mixed. When finished the tender is eoated just as 
smoothly as any Japanese lacquer, and shines like a looking^-glass. 
The lettering and striping have all been done in accord with speci- 
iieation, and the locomotive is taken to the round house, where the 
few remaining connections are made, and it stands completely born. 
Though it possesses no brass bands and ornamental metal work, the 
tender and wheels are painted a mixture of Brunswick green and 
black, but so dark that the green can only be seen in certain lights 
— still it is a very handsome locomotive. The connections necessary 
are made in the round house, by a trial engineer, who then takes it 
out for a preliminary spin up the mountain. This satisfactory, it 
goes into service, and its real life begins. 

LIFE AND SERVICES OF LOCOMOTIVES. 

On a grand average the life of a lucomotixe may be set down as 
fourteen or fifteen years, with varying results as to mileage. The 
earliest collated statistics as to the life of engines were made with 
some Baldwin locomotives built during the war, when both good ma- 
terial and good men were practically unattainable. These give vary- 
ing results of from two to six years, and up to 1*75,000 miles. Such 
u record is nothing, nowadays. On the Pennsylvania Railroad there 
fire a couple of engines in active service that have reached the unpre- 
cedented record of over 250,000 miles, without receiving other than 
round house repairs. These are the standard engines used on the 
road. Supposing that the engine we have seen built to have been 
one of these, it will make its annual 30,000 miles in the grand total 
of 6,680,122 miles run by all engines. (This was in 18T8.) Per- 
haps it will run more — one engine, in 1878, on a passenger train, 
made 75,570 miles — perhaps less, as circumstances decide. At all 
events, the railroad will get out of the engine all it is worth. For 
an engine, in England, the best practice does not exceed 18,000 miles; 
but experience shows the American engine is good for much more. 

CLASS "k" ENGINES. 

A new class of engines (K) has been adopted by the company, 
ten of which have recently been ordered to be built at these shops. 
One is now- upon the road and has, after a number of test trials, proven 
satisfactory in every respect. It weighs 90,200 pounds, (about 45 
tons) with driving wheels, 68 inches in diameter and 19x24 inch 
cylinders. The others are to be of corresponding weight and power. 
This class of locomotives is capable of hauling seven or more cars upon 
12 



166 HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY. 

the various grades of 25 feet per mile, while with ordinary engines five 
cars is a sufficient load. Class K locomotives are built with a view to 
combine rapid transit with perfect safety. 

RECORD OP MOVEMENTS AND CONDITION OF ENGINES. 

Our engine, once in service, is by no means lost sight of. It?^ 
movements are as thoroughly noted as are those of an ocean steamer. 
In Mr. Ely's office, in this city, there is an immense board covered 
with little pins, upon which hang small round colored discs, from the 
under part of which has been cut a small portion. These pegs and 
discs are numbered from 1 to 1,250. Each number correspond* 
with an engine. On one part of the board the pegs are numbered 
consecutively. Looking at this part for any particular engine that 
may be desired, on the disc will be found "Ptgh," "N. Y," or "P," 
etc. This refers you to the division where the engine is. Looking- 
to that division on the board, and finding the number of the engine, 
another little disc, by means of its color, will tell you just what con- 
dition the engine is in. If the disc is pure white the engine is in 
])erfect order. If the disc is bordered by a red line the engine needs 
only such slight repairs as may be made without withdrawing it from 
the service. If the disc is covered one-half with red, repairs are re- 
(piired of a very slight nature, but for which the engine must ])roceed 
to the shop. If the entire disc is pale gray, repairs of a more import- 
ant character are needed, though still deemed slight. A disc entirely 
blue denotes a machine that needs very substantial repairs. One-half 
black and half white indicates the machine is being l)uilt over. A 
disc all black denotes an engine unfit, save to be cut up or sold. 
This record is changed every week, and is so complete as to eiuil>le 
any one to see at a glance just the condition of the motive power. 
Repairs are never undertaken if they will cost over $3,000. For that 
a new standard boiler can be built, and, unless an engine is of the 
standard pattern, she is never built over, for the company does not 
wish to perpetuate odd engin(^s, and to pay more than $3,000 would 
not be so economical as to pay interest on the value of n new ma- 
chine. Here, again, true economy steps in to change the ])i'actie<' of 
blind conservatism. 

An engine on the road is always ver}^ carefully used. After our 
locomotive is placed in the hands of an engineer it is cared for with 
the watchfulness of a parent's affection. An accurate record of its 
])erformances is made and compared with that of other engines. As 
ireight is paid for per ton per mile, so the cost of an en.>ine is 



HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY. IfiT 

reckoned. The amount of coal consumed per car per eng-ini; mile 
being- calculated, it is easy to see, by dividing this by the tonnage, 
just how much coal it takes to move a ton of freig:ht one engine mile. 
And the engine that does this most successfully is the cheapest and 
best. 

Finally, after having traveled many thousands of miles, having 
speedily and safely hauled millions of human beings, our locomotive is 
sent to the shop condemned. It is ignominiously bundled off into 
a corner to stand with a lot of others until cut up or sold. Its im- 
mediate neighl)ors may be like itself, worn out ; perhaps " died in 
the harness." The little disc that records in the superintendent's of- 
fice its physical condition has turned to black. There is no hope. 
To-morrow a committee of inspection will condemn it to be cut to 
pieces. Into the furnace the parts will go, to emerge, like the mill 
where old men were ground out into new, rejuvenated, read}^ to take 
a place in some new monster with steel heart and transmigrated soul. 
And so the story will be told again ; the theory of the survival of the 
fittest alwa3'S having prominence ; until in years to come perfection 
will be reached, or the hurrying mortal shall travel in some other 
fashion, looking down with strong contempt on what arc the marvels 
of to-day. 

[In the Boston (Mass.) Herald, of August 2, 1819, was published 
an able and elaborate article descriptive of the motive power shops of 
the Pennsylvania Railroad, and although we had made ourselves fa- 
miliar with their extent and operations we have interwoven a portion 
of the Herald's description with our own.] 

CAR DEPARTMENT, OR " LOWER" SHOPS. 

A correct knowledge of the sciences of mechanics and natural phil- 
osophy, as well as a practical and experimental application of the 
principles of these sciences are essential to one who would wish to 
act as foreman of a machine shop. Were he deficient in such knowl- 
edge we cannot see how he could give intelligent directions to the 
men in his employ, for the principles of these sciences underlie 
all mechanical operations. True, with but little instruction, a man 
may learn how to control the operations of a machine, and thus make 
like machines without the knowledge we speak of, upon the same 
principle that a parrot may learn how to talk. He is no machinist, 
in the full acceptation of the term, unless he be in full possession of 
the knowledge referred to. To this knowledge must be added a con- 
sideral)le admixture of inventive genius, for we never yet saw a good 



168 



HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTV. 

E. M. KENNEDY & CO., 



— DEALERS IN 



Groceries, Flour, Feed, 

PROVISIONS, ETC. 

FOUETH STREET and CHESTNUT AVENUE, (Logantown,) ALTOONA. 

Altoona Laundry, 

Misses SUTTON, BEOTHEES & McMULLEN, Prop'rs. 

Cor. lltli Avenue and IGtli Sti'eet, Altoona, Pa. 

ALL Kinds of Laundry Work, 

For Gentlemen iiiid Ladies, pidniptly attended to in the best manner and at tlie 

LOWEST PKICES. 

JOHN KINSEL, 

Carpet Manufacturer, 

No. 804 Chestnut Avenue, 

Between Eighth and Ninth Streets, ALTOONA, PA, 



R. B. MAHAFFEY 



PUBLISHER OF 



Sheet Music und Music Books, 

And Dealer in Musical Merchandise Generally. 

Yon cannot att'oid to l)e witliont the •• Ml'slC'AL ADVOCATE," only 10 cents a 
number. Fnll of local musical notes, and each number contains a i)iece of music 
Avorth from 30 to 4(t cents. Get a coi)y at the first of each month. 

ViOVA EIGHTH AVENITK, ALTOONA, PA. 



HISTORY OF ALTOONA ANT) BLAIR COUNTY. 169 

mechanic in any braiicli of industry wliosc brain was not permeated 
witli or transvcrsed by a vein of ing-enuity, ori,-i-inality, (•cccntricity, 
i>-cnius, or whatever else yon may call it. 

TlIK MACHINE SHOP. 

In the lower shop arc sixty machines of different kinds, all in use 
in the manufacture of the new machinery from time to time reipiired 
by the other "lower" shops, as they are g-enerally called, and in keep- 
ing the machinery already thcsre in good working condition. In ad- 
dition to this all the iron work used in the construction of passenger 
and freight cars (not locomotives — they are built and repaired at the 
machine shop of the motive power department) is dressed, properly 
prepared or finished h(n-c; th(! wheels are bored, axles turned, screws 
cut, holes drilled, etc., etc. Seventy men are employed, about as 
many as can work to advantage. The room is only 135x70 feet. 
Small as it is, considering the amount of space occupied by the ma- 
chines and to allow workmen proper elljow room, there have lieen as 
high as eighty-three at work at the same time. 

Any one knows, or ought to know, that a description of each of 
the sixty machines would fill a large volume. Even the simple men- 
tion of the names, coupled with laconic notices, would occupy too 
much space for the present article. We will mention, however, five 
boring mills or machines for boring holes in the centre of car wheels, 
or rather enlarging the holes that are already in, through which the 
ends of axles pass, capable of "doing" 250 wheels per day— fifty 
each. The "nut tapper " cuts the si)iral threads inside of nuts at the 
rate of 2,600 pounds ])er day Of course tiiesc nuts vary in size to 
correspond with the size of the screws cut on l)olts, whatever size 
that may be. There are standard sizes of both nuts and screw bolts. 
We use the term "screw bolt" to distinguish it from all other bolts. 
There are six nut-tappers and eleven bolt cutters. As nuts and screw 
bolts are counterparts of each other, and as the nuts are tapped in 
larger ])rop()rtion than the screws are cut in l)olts, more machines are 
recpiired for executing the latter work than the former. Hence the 
proportion of the machines is six to eleven — that is, six nut-tappers 
keep eleven l)olt cutters in operation to the best advantage. Ther(> 
are twelve drilling machines which move with the regularity of clock 
work. We might as well have said that a clock works with the reg- 
ularity of a drilling machine, for what is a clock but a machine? But 
let this go. 

The original of all or nearly all the machines here cni[iIoyed were 



170 



HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY. 




PASSENGER CAR. 




PARLOR CAR. 




SLEEPING CAR 




BAGGAGE CAR. 



HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY. Ill 

obtained from Messrs. William Sellers & Co., and Messrs. William 
B. Bement & Son, of rLiladelt)hia, in whom, whoever may have 
been the inventors or patentees, was vested the right to manufacture 
«nd sell ; and, in the Pennsylvania Railroad eompany, as we under- 
stand it, is now vested the same "right, tith^ and interest." 

Taking off and putting on wheels on axles, by hydrostatie pres- 
iiure, is an interesting oi)eration. From thirty to eighty tons pres- 
sure is brought to bear in removing wheels from their axles, and 
from twenty to forty tons in putting them on. Removing the burnt, 
warped and twisted wheels from burnt, warped and twisted axles 
which were in the tire at Pittsburg a few years ago, was a big job. 
We were shown wheels and axles which were absolutely fused or 
melted together at the place they were conjoined — but the powerful 
pressure applied released the one from the other. 

Freight ear wheels and axles are made of iron, but the axles for 
passenger cars are constructed of steel, brought from the steel works 
at Meadville, Penn'a ; the Forge and Iron works of Pittsburg, and 
from various other sources of supply. 

Mr. James Sharp has acted as foreman for over nine years, or 
since the lower shops were built. Indeed it was under his supervis- 
ion that the necessary machinery for all the lower shops was ordered 
and put in position. Long before this he was employed by the com- 
pany in the motive power department. 

PASSENGER CAR SHOP. 

About one hundred hands are at present employed — the highest 
number at any one time having been one hundred and thirty-seven. 
This was during the Centennial year, at which time one hundred pas- 
senger cars were built to meet the exigencies of the extensive travel 
on the road. The force is employed on eight or ten cars at one and 
the same time. 

Mr. Pullman has a shop or shops of his own, yet occasionally an 
order is sent here for the manufacture of new ones, as well as re- 
pairing those which have seen service. Mr. Pulhuan has an uphols- 
tery in Chicago, and one in Jersey City ; yet it frequently happens 
that the upholstering is done by the Pennsylvania Railroad compau}', 
it having all the facilities for doing work of this kind in the most ele- 
gant manner. Indeed, taking the "Passaic," l)uilt in 18TT, or any 
Pullman car built since by the Pennsylvania Railroad company, as 
an illustration, whatever may be the facilities of Mr. Pullman, it is 
impossible for him either to construct or furnish cars more luxuriously 



172 



HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY. 



D. WYLIE, 



PRACTICAL 



Plumber* Gas Fitter. 



AND DEALER IN 



CIRCULHTING BOILERS, BATH TUBS,, 



Cast-iron Sinks, Urinals, 



Marble Shibs and Wash Basins. Hydrants, Terra Cotta Pipe, Brass Work for Water 
and Steam, Gas Macliines, etc. 



Hot 'Water and Steam Circiilation 

FOR GREENHOUSES AND CONSERVATORIES, 

Iron Pumps for deep and shallow wells, fitted up and set. Old Gas 

Fixtures Cleaned and Rebronzed. Hydrant and Water Pipe put in 

at the Lowest Rates. 



SATISFACTION GUARANTEED. 



:No. 1108 Fourteentli Street, 



Altoona, Pa. 



HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY. 



173 



than those constructed for him I)y the Pennsylvania Raih'oad com- 
pany. The cost of a Pulhnan car, be it a sleei)iii^', drawing-room, 
hotel, or jtarlor car, is from $14,000 to fKi, 000 ; for ii first-class pas- 
senger car, $5,000 ; and for an ordinary second-chiss car, $2,r>0(). 




INTERIOR OF PARLOR CAR. 

The frame-work of a Pullman is generally made from yellow pine ; 
panels from poplar ; posts and trucks from ash. Six-wheel trucks are 
used, with Westinghouse air l)rakes to check their movements. 

FREKiHT SHOP. 

In this department about three hundred and t\venty men are at 
present employed, all skillful A\'orkmen. Xew freight cars, of what- 
ever kind, tire not oidy manufactured here. l)ut all the necessary re- 
pairs to those which have seen service are also made. All new cars 
and repaired cars are painted and lettered before being removed from 
the freight shop. 



IH HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY. 

The yellow pine used for car floors is broug-ht from Georgia, sup- 
posed to be the best in the country ; white pine, for roofing, from 
Michigan ; oak from all points of the compass. We will here take 
occasion to remark that when a requisition for cars is received by 
John P. Levan, general foi*eman, he issues orders to the foremen of 
all the departments for the necessary materials for their construction. 
The planing mill furnishes the lumber already planed and otherwise 
prepared ; the blacksmith shop all the iron in the forms required, etc. 
But all this material is used and put together in the freight shop, or 
round house, as some people call it. The man \\'ho planned the 
freight shop had an e3'e to business. 

BLACKSMITH SHOP. 

In this department one hundred and sixty-five men are employed. 
Every tool and machine for the abridgment of labor that has been 
devised l)y the cunning, craft or ingenuity of man is brought into 
requisition. A description of these tools and machines does not fall 
within the purview of this sketch further than to say that there are 
four dead-stroke power hammers, each of which give a hundred pounds' 
blow; a machine for heading bolts from one and one-half to two 
inches ; two punching machines with power to punch a two-inch hole 
through two-inch iron ; two bolt machines which work from three- 
eighths to seven-eighths inch, each of which has the capacity to make 
1,800 bolts per day ; a drill-press able to drill six holes at one opera- 
tion; four steam hammers — one 500 pounds pressure, another 1,600, 
another 2,000 and another 2,500 pounds pressure ; a machine for weld- 
ing links, or compress butt welder, capable of welding thirty per hour; 
machines for forming bullnoses, making links, etc. Almost 400 tons 
of iron per month is at present used. It comes principally from the 
Altoona Iron works, this city, the best iron to be obtained ; from the 
Logan Iron and Steel comi)any; from Carnegee & Bros., and Wilson 
& Walker of Pittsburg, and Benjamin Johnson, of Hollidaysburg. 
There are fifty-nine forges in the l)lacksmith shop, the blast for the 
fires being supplied by a noiseless blower. There is a one-spring fur- 
nace for setting springs. There is a split-key machine for manufac- 
turing keys for bolts when not convenient to use nuts. About ()40 
pounds of these keys — each one weighs about an ounce — are manu- 
factured per day. There are three bolt furnaces and three heating 
furnaces. The textiki strength of the iron used is sixty to sixty-five 
tons to the inch. Probably the most difficult operation is the manu- 
facture of bullnoses. A great deal of ingenuity and care are brought 
to bear in their production. 



HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY. It5 

THE PLANING MTLL. 

This mill, which is the most comi>k't(' and largest in the United 
States, is full of interesting- objects — interesting to those at least who 
are proud of progress and improvement. The machines there em- 
ployed for sawing and dressing lumber are admirable in their con- 
struction, and do tlieir work in an admirable manner. There are 
thirty-nine of them — six boring, eight planing, three tenon, six mortis- 
ing, one Balster machine, two band saws, one moulding machine and 
one universal wood worker; besides five rip saws, four cross-cut saws, 
a saw gummer, saw filer, etc. The engine which drives this machin- 
ery, and the machinery also of the other shops, is a double cylinder, 
250 horse power, manufactured hy the Corliss company of Providence, 
R. I. It cost $1,500, and $1,400 additional for putting it in position, 
procuring the belting, etc. The principal belting is 32 inches wide. It 
is formed of a double thickness of leather with canvas between. The 
flywheel is 20 feet, and size of cylinder, 18x48 inches. By a system 
of signal gongs the foremen of the various shops can increase or retard 
the motion of the engine, or, rather, can communicate with the engi- 
neer, without leaving their shops, so that he can give them the exact 
motion they require, be it fast or slow. It is operated by electricity, 
and proves to be of great convenience. Six boilers — three with eight 
feet and three with eight feet long and four feet wide fire-boxes — the 
largest in this portion of the State, supply the steam. They were 
built at the upper boiler shops by Joseph Nixon, foreman of that 
department. Five tons of coal per day, together with all the shav- 
ings, sawdust, etc., of the planing mill, which is conveyed to the 
boiler house through pipes, supply the heat for the generation of the 
steam which drives the engine. 

The pipes alluded to, through which the shavings, sawdust, etc., 
arc conducted to the boiler room, with their fans and other append- 
ages, constitute a curious and ingenious ai)paratus. A description 
such as we would like to make would occupy too much of our space. 
Suffice it to say that immediately after the formation of shavings, 
chips and sawdust, they are sucked into the mouth of the pipes which 
are pendant over the machines, and, on the '' wings of the wind," are 
hurried through to the boiler house. These pipes are about two feet 
in diameter, and constructed of tin or sheet-iron, we forget which. 
There are six of these conductors, each embracing a certain number 
of pipes and fans in operation. Messrs. Latimore & Davis, of Phila- 
delphia, are the inventors. It is scarcely necessary to add that pre- 
vious to their introduction a visit to the planing mill, especially if 



1T6 lUSTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY. 

MRS. ADAM GABLE, 

■WHOLESALE AND RETAIL DEALER IN 

CONFECTIONERIES, FOREIGN anfl DOMESTIC FRDITS. 

ICE Cream and Oysters in Season. 

706 aiKl 708 Twelfth Street, - Altoona, Pa. 

(Between Seventli and Eighth Avenues.) 

Keystone Grocery, 

Green Avenue and Ninth Sti'eet, Altoona, Pa. 

Groceries and Provisions, 

FLOUR, CANNED FRUITS. Etc. Confectioneries, Segars, Tobaccos, Xotions. 
Oysters and Fish in season. 

ELVS/AY & MAUK. 

"b. f. roseT" 

SLDERMSN, 

nth A\'enne, neai' 12th Street, Altoona, Pa. 

(Opposite Altoona Hardware Co.. limited.) 



Legal Documents written and acknowledged. Collections promptly attended to. 



J. C. CONRAD, 

DEALER IN 

PI NTHRaC ITOlD BtTlIIIlM CMK 

(Free from slate and other foreign substances.) Full weight guaranteed. 

Also, dealer in KINDLING WOOD and STRAW. Delivery to all parts of the city 
without extra charge. 

EleveutH Avenue, lietween Seventeeiitli and Eigliteenlli Streets, Altoona, Pa. 

(Near tlie Culvert.) 



HISTORY OF ALTOONA AxVD BLAIR COUNTY. It 7 

a lady or gentleman had their l)est elothes on, was like passing 
through a flouring mill, and enicrging therefrom eovered Avith dnst. 
]>esi(U's, the millions of small particles floating through the atmos- 
phere of the room made it unpleasant for the worlouen, and injurious 
to health. All this, now, is obviated. The place is as free from dust 
as any of the other shops, for, if perchance some shavings or sawdust 
fall upon the floor they are quickly sucked into the months of the 
pipes underlying it, for the mouths of these pipes are in close proxim- 
ity to the machines. There are pipes below as well as above the 
floor. Formerly from six to eight hands were employed in carryijig 
away the dirt, so to call it. Hence six dollars to eight dollars an; 
saved per day. 

The tenon machines were invented by Isaac Dripi)s, who, at one 
time, was Superintendent of the Motive Power Department. 

The principal planing machine was built by Messrs. R. IJall & 
Co., of Worcester, Mass. It is sixty-three feet in length, with cog 
gearing. It is called the "Daniel Planing Machine," a man by that 
name, we presume, l)eing the inventor of it. 

The planing machine next in size and importance is run by belt 
gearing, and has been in use for about two years. It is thirty-four 
feet in length and was built by Richards, London & Kelley, of the 
Atlantic Iron works. It }>erforms 1,*700 revolutions a minute. 

There is one large four-sided planing machine, humorously called 
by the men in the shops "the Modoc," whatever name the inventor 
may have given to it. 

As previousl}' stated there are three Allen mortising machines in 
use. They mortise timber without "laying off," by use of templates. 

The building is 35*7 feet by 70 feet. This includes the new exten- 
sion comi)]eted during the month of August, 1880. 

At present about eighty men are employed. 

THE TIN SHOP. 

The principal work done here is the construction of the roofs of 
passenger and Pulhnan palace cars, as well as old freight cars when 
needing repairs of this kind. New freight cars are now constructed 
in such a manner that they don't re(piire tin roofing, the l)oards con- 
stituting the roofs being fitted together upon a new waterproof and 
air-proof principle. Why this principle should not be ado])ted in the 
construction of the roofs of passenger and other cars, we will not now 
take time to inquire. Besides the roofing of cars, all the tin, sheet- 
iron, (])lain or galvanized) brass and copper work which enter into 



1*78 HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY. 

the construction or constitute the convenience of cars, is here made to 
assume appropriate form. The sioves, too, used in the cars, are sup- 
plied with ]iipe and all other necessary fixtures. A portion of the 
round house (freight shop) is devoted to the reception of stoves which 
need repairs ; and arrayed on shelves are duplicates to take the place 
of those parts of stoves worn out, burnt out, or broken. These 
stoves and parts of stoves are cast at the foundry of the company at 
their upper works. 

The machines used in the tin shop are such, only, as are generally 
found in private establishments of the kind, with a few exceptions, 
one of which is an apparatus, apparently simple in its construction, 
but in reality evincing much profundity of thought in its invention. 
It is designed, by one operation, to throw strijis of tin into such form.s 
as to cover the gas pipes which traverse the roofs of passenger cars ; 
and it does the work neatly and effectively. Another machine is a 
spinning lathe not generally found in tinneries conducted by private 
parties, by means of which a flat piece of tin, copper, zinc or brass 
is made to assume a great variety of forms, both hollow and cylindri- 
cal. It is turned by steam. In size the tin shop is T0x50 feet, af- 
fording enough room for fourteen men to "turn around in." When 
thirty-two men were employed it was tight squeezing. 

CABINET SHOP, OR GLUE ROOM. 

Were all the cabinet makers in the country to meet in convention 
for the specific purpose of devising the most suitable building and the 
most suitable tools, machinery, etc., for starting the cabinet making 
business on a large scale, or, rather, for the jnanufacture of such arti- 
cles as appertain to au}^ specific branch of that business, we do not 
see how they could do better than the man or men who i)lanned the 
cabinet shop or glue room (as many call it) of the Pennsylvania Rail- 
road company. With no further introductory remarks we will say 
that all the veneering, gluing, cutting, carving, mortising, polishing, 
boring, turning, scolloping, moulding, planing, sawing and' twisting 
all kinds of wood into all kinds of shapes, required for all kinds of 
work, found inside of ordinary passenger and Pulhnan palace cars, 
are here performed Ijy the aid of the best tools and machinery the in- 
ventive genius of the country has been able to produce. And these 
tools and machines are guided by ninety workmen who thoroughly 
understand such business, a less number by fifty than were employed 
during a greater portion of the Centennial year. To accomplish the 
same amount of work, thirty years ago, would have taken about six 



HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY. 1^9 

thousand five huiulred iDcn. This may api)oar extravagant, but we 
believe it as firmly as we believe that we are writing this sketch. 
And then, too, the work is done in an admirable manner. In addi- 
tion to car furniture, paneling, etc., all the elegant desks and furniture 
which adorn and render prince-like and comfortable the offices of the 
railroad officers, all along the line, are manufactured here. The 
heavy work, such as sawing out lumber, etc., of course is done in the 
planing mill. 

Among the principal machines used, not only for the abridgment 
of labor, but for their efficiency in executing their work perfectly, we 
noticed a scroll saw of surprising utility; a "Variety Moulding" 
machine, which, with its appliances, executes all kinds of moulding, 
the tool or bit performing about 2,000 revolutions per minute ; a ma- 
chine for planing, grooving, etc. ; a slat machine which planes both 
sides and rounds the edges at a single operation ; thirty-three turn- 
ing lathes ; two mounting machines ; a tenon machine ; hand and rip 
.saws ; veneering presses, etc. There is a turning machine, the de- 
sign of which is to turn flag staffs, thirty-six inches long, in use by 
flagmen along the road, as well as a vast amount of other work. 
Preparing flag staffs, formerly, was a difficult thing to do. Let any- 
one try to make one by hand or even turn one on an ordinary .lathe. 
Then he will appreciate a machine by the use of which 1,000 can be 
manufactured in one day. Of such a machine we speak. Before its 
invention lumber by the car load was required to meet the demands 
for flagstaff's. Now they are made from the off-falls or refuse pieces 
of wood, fit for no other purpose. A great saving of material is 
observable, as well as a great reduction of labor. There is another 
machine which performs a great variety of operations — rounding and 
polishing strijjs of wood, cut crosswise, of various diameters, suitable, 
for instance, as plugs for holes where screws are driven below the 
surface. 

All kinds of wood are used in this department. Among the most 
valuable are bird-eye maple, French walnut, mahogany, cherry and 
rosewood. 

The shop is one hundred and seventy-five feet in depth and sev- 
enty feet wide. 

THE PAINT SHOP. 

One hundred and forty-eight workmen are at present employed. 
The capacity of the shop is twenty-four cars — that is, the tracks 
within the enclosure can accommodate that number at one and the 



180 



HISTOUV OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY, 



S. O. ABLER. 



DEALER IN 



GROCERIES,PROYISIONS,FLOUR,FEED 

Queensware, Glassware, Wood ami AVillowware, Tobacco and Segai-s. All kinds of 
Frnlts and A'egetables in season. 

1316 Twelfth Avenue, Altoona, Pa. 

DR. J. H. WEAVER 



1004 Seventeenth Street, 



(Xear the Bridge.) 



Altoona, Pa. 



Druggist and Pharmaceutist. 

A full line Drugs and Oheinieals, Patent Medicines. Oils, Paints, Putty, Dye Stuffs, 
Toilet and Fancy Articles, Perfumery, best brands of Tobacco aiid Segars. 
Pure Wines and Liquors for Medicinal Purposes. Prescriptions Care- 
fully Compounded Day or Night at all hours. 



PIPER & CO., 

BooksellerslStationers, 

1316 Tenth Avenue, Altoona, Pa. 



Notions, Novelties, etc., of all kinds. Imported and Domestic Segars, Tobacco, etc. 
Subscriptions received for Newspapers, Magazines and other periodicals. 




H FOUR-PfiGE, 16 COLUMN, MONTHLY PAPER. 

Printed on Fine Tinted liook Paper and devoted to Choice Poetry, stories, History 

—Natural and othcrwist — in I'.iot evcrytliing that will interest boys and girls. 

Only .SO cents a year. Suniple cojues free. Agents wanted to'canvass 

for subscribers. Li l)eral Terms. .Vddress, 

ED. J. SLEP, ALTOONA. PA. 



HISTORY OF ALTOOiVA AND HI- AIR COUNTY. 



181 



same time, and tlicy aro so ari'anii'ccl that iiicu can wdrk to the best 
advantage. The (l(']»ai'tiii(Mit of paintiiiu- •i'inl)raccs a lirad-liiiiiiji;' 
room in w liicli liftccn men arc employed; \arnisli rooms, sixteen men; 
(rei^'ht car room, sixteen men; passen.u'cr ( ar room, one iiiindi'cd men. 
The principal sliop measures ofUxTO feet, ^vith ciii-liteen feet i)itcii of 
ceiling. A portion of it is two stories high, the upper story contain- 
ing the varnish and ii[)liolstery departments. Tiie force employed in 




INTERIOR OF SLEEPING CAR. 

painting the passenger cars is divided into gangs of eight men, four 
employed on inside and four on outside work. A larger number can- 
not work to as miu'Ii advantage. Connected with this deiiartment is 
a storeroom, s<'parate building, a))out 30x50 feet in size, with cellar 
or basement, which contains large (piantlties of materials, from which 
all the j)aints, colors, tints and shades are made, together with var- 
nishes, paint lirushes, glass, putty, etc. As high as S20.(MI0 worth of 
12 



182 HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY. 

such o-oods have been stored here at one time. Some very expensive 
materials are used, such, for instance, as inside car varnish, and out- 
side rubbing, which costs $3.88 per gallon, and finishing varnish 
which costs $5.10 per gallon. Here the paints are mixed, several 
hands being engaged on this work alone. 

Search the country through and you will be unable to find any 
set of hands anywhere who can outrival the present force in their 
knowledge of the blending and application of colors. The work done 
impresses one Avith this idea. By " head-linings" the decorations on 
ceilings of the cars are meant. They are composed of ordinary un- 
bleached sheeting, Avhich, b}- means of simple appliances, is stretched 
to its utmost tension on frames placed in an upright position when 
the painters commence the work of drawing their decorative lines. 
As in architecture there are various distinct orders, so there are dis* 
tinct orders of decoration. But we decline to write an essay on the 
subject. 

It is a nice thing, requiring not only a steady hand, but a keen, 
observant, artistic eye to execute all the fine lines and shades required 
by the connoisseur who "bosses"' the job. Were he not a connois- 
seur he would evidently be unfit for the position. And here, in the 
head-line department, more so, probably, than in any other, the skill 
of the painter is exhibited. But, after all, this work partakes more of 
mechanical than true artistic skill, from the fact that forms or pat- 
terns of representation are previously prepared. With pieces of pa- 
per, properly punctured, the lines of the work are temporarily and 
qvuckly drawn or struck on the canvas, then followed up with the 
painter's pencil. But to be appreciated this work must be seen. 

UPHOLSTERING DEPARTMENT. 

And now a few words alxnit supplying the interior of passenger 
ears with the necessary furniture to make them comfortable for those 
Avho travel. Comfortable, did we say? We mean luxurious. Every- 
thing else done, even the painting, the seats with their hair cushions 
covei-ed with plush are placed in position, the carpets laid, etc., etc. 
The i)lush used in the covering of seats is manufactured in France. 
The raw material consists of the long, silky hair or wool of the An- 
gora goat of Asia Minor. The fabric is beautiful. Plush costs about 
$2.37| per yard, and is generally in strips fort}^ yards in length, of 
various Avidths. The hair, which forms the interior of the cushions 
for seats, or filling in, is principally derived from the manes and tails 
of horses, mules, etc., which is mixed with a small per centage of 



IIISTOllY UF ALTOONA AND HLAIR COUNTY. 



183 



bristles. Tliis hair is spun up, hoaled, picl^ed, assorted and curled be- 
fore it is readr for tise. Otluu" luaterials, such as sponu'e, cotton, etc., 
have been tried, luit liaxc Ijccn f(»iin(l lackini!,' that (|Uiility of hair, 
which is hii^'hly prized, viz: (jjasticil y. Ki,uiit pounds ;ire recpiired 
to make a double seat — a I'ullnian mattress re(iuiri's iweiity-live 
pounds. Its cost is about tweuty-fnc cents per i)ound. 




IN TKRIUR OF PASSENGER CAR. 

The various operations involved in upholstery work we will not 
attempt to delineate. There are thre(> separate rooms devoted to the 
upholstery department, to say nothinti' of the rooms fiU'ed with eliaii's. 
seats, etc., waiting;' to he cushioned and etpiipped. The room in 
which is stored various kinds of materials has held $25,000 worth at 
one time; the stork now amounts to about $10,000. During' a por- 
tion of the Centennial year when work was brisk, twenty-six ujeu 
were emphiyed. At present only fourteen men are at work. 



184 HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY. 

ESTABLISHED 1860. 



Sltoonh Bakery, 

A, F. HEESS. Proprietor. 

713 Thirteenth Street, Altooiia, Pa. 



MANUFACTURES 



FRESH BREAD * CRACKERS. 



AND ALL KINDS OF 



FilNCY Md COMMON CHKES. 

Large Cakes Baked to Order on Short Notice at Reasonable Terms. 



ED. MOUNTNEY, 

housesndsign painter, GRSINER, 

IvALSOMINKK, PAPKR HANGER, Kte. 
Eleventh Avenue and Eleventh Street, (Opera House Building,) Altoona, Pa. 

I chiUlenifu an>- Kniijht of the Paint lirusli in Altoona or IJlair County, to pro- 
iluci' Ijctterspeciinensi oi GRAINING, or equally as good. Many who boast of their 
protic-iency inthjs art, don't understand its rud"inients. Work of all kind executed 
promptly,' with true artistic elegance and at lowest prices. 

F. THEBOTLT RIMILLES, M. D, 

1124 ELEVENTH AVENUE, 

(OVER nelson's .iewelky store,) 

ALTOONA, PA. 



Office HorRS : ] -^ to t'o p. m 
( 7 to '.I p. ni. 



'' '' '" " ''■ '"■ Coiisnllallons in Freucli M Gerian, 



HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY. 185 

In eouclusion, the window lilinds tor nil tho telc^Taph stations 
alonji' the line are manufacturt'd in this dciiarnient. The harness for 
horses of the eonipiiny are here kept in (•()nstant repair, and new sets 
of harness are also made when r('((nir('d. 

beatty's shop. 

This bnildin.ii-, called Planing' Mill No. 1, was ori.y-innlly erected 
for the Maintenance of Way department, but since ai)i)ropriated to the 
use of the Car department. Amon.u- the most ingenious devices is a 
macdiine for turning handles for iiieks, axes, etc. 



= >XS^S>o^c 



RESIDENT OFFICERS, PENNSYLVANIA RAILROAD CO. 



OFFICE GENERAL SUPERINTENDENT. 

Charles E. Pugh, general superintendent. 

Thomas J. Maitlaiid, chief clerk. 

Robert E. Pettit, principal assistant eng-ineer. 

J. Chester Wilson, electrician. 

John R. Bingaman, chief clerk maintenance of way 

OFFICE SUPERINTENDENT MOTIVE POWER. 

Theodore N. Ely, superintendent motive power. 

Joseph Wood, assistant engineer. 

J. B. Collin, mechanical engineer. 

B. F. Custer, chief clerk. 

G. W. Strattan, master mechanic. 

F. D. Cassanave, assistant master mechanic. 

Dr. Charles B. Dudley, chemist. 

John W. Cloud, engineer of tests. 

OFFICE SUPERINTENDENT TRANSPORTATION. 

John Reilly, superintendent transportation. 
Frink T. Bishop, chief clerk. 
George W. Jones, chief car accountant. 
W. F. Taylor, chief operator. 



186 HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY. 

FOREMEN AND ASSISTANT FOREMEN OF MOTIVE POWER SHOPS. 

PetiT Moore, foreman lathe shop. 

Jacob Cain, foreman tele.ii'raph shop. 

W. B. F<>rd, foreman erecting- shop. ' 

A. C. Davis, assistant foreman erecting shop. 

A. C. Yanclain, assistant foreman erecting shop. 

Ludwig Kiefer, foreman vise shop. 

Joseph Davis, assistant foreman vise shop. 

W. H. Jackson, foreman round house No. 1. 

George Rosenberger, foreman carpenter shop. 

Thomas I. McKiernan, assistant foreman carpenter shop. 

George F. McNoldj, foreman cab shop. 

George W. Arthur, foreman round house No. 3. 

John H. Carr, assistant foreman round house No. 3. 

George Hawlvcsworth, foreman smith sliop. 

William Cook, assistant foreman smith shop. 

Joseph Nixon, foreman lioiler shop. 

C. W. Mason, foreman paint shop. 

C. N. Pimlott, foreman tin shop. 

W. T. Miller, foreman wheel shop. 

Samuel Abrahims, foreman pattern shop. 

A. H. Maxwell, foreman iron foundry. 

W. C. Jacobs, assistant foreman iron foundry. 

H. H. Stone, assistant foreman iron foundry. 

Thomas Baxter, foreman brass foundry. 

Jacob N. Barr, foreman ^\■heeI foundry. 

Edward Spielman, assistant foreman wheel foundry. 

Edward McLean, assistant foreman wheel foundry. 

A. C. McCartney, foi'eman coal wharf. 

Jacob Gearhart, foreman laljorers. 

FOREMEN AND ASSISTANT FOREMEN OF CAR SHOPS. 

John P. Levan, general foreman. 

Andrew Kipple, foreman freight car shop. 

George W. Ehrhart, assistant foreman freight car shop. 

Levi Geescy, foreman passenger car shop. 

Isaac Beck, assistant foreman passenger car shop. 

John L. Burk'V, foreman ca))inet shop. 

Samuel M. Houston, assistant foreman cal)iuet shop. 

Fred S. Ball, foreman car paiut shop. 



HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY. 187 

"William Dwyor, assistant foreman car paint shop. 

Fvicliai'd Kowan, foreman house painters. 

Joseph Maize, assistant foreman house painters. 

James Sharp, foreman maehiwe shoj). 

John A. Hindmaii, assistant foreman machine shop. 

Harry A. Folk, foreman smith shop. 

Alex. Eberle, assistant foreman smith shop. 

Walter K. Beatty, foreman planing mill Xo. 1. 

Samuel Hook, assistant foreman planing mill Xo. 1. 

George L. Freet, foreman planing mill Xo. 2. 

William A Decker, assistant foreman planing mill Xo. 2. 

Chambers E. Springer, foreman lumber yard. 

Charles L. Fettinger, assistant foreman lum))er yard. 

Charles C. Mason, foreman trimming shop. 

Philip L. Stroh, as.sistant foreman trimming sho^). 

Adam B. Hamilton, foreman tin shop. 

David Koch, assistant foreman tin shop. 

Daniel Houseman, foreman outside Ial)orers. 

Edwin A. Myers, assistant foreman outside laljorers. 

Thomas Myers, foreman gas fitters. 

James Torrens, assistant foreman gas fitters. 

John W. Colyer, foreman 1)rick layers. 



George X. Anderson, despatcher, Altoona yard. 

Charles P. McCuUy, supervisor, xVltoona yard. 

John McCormick, assistant train master, Pittsburg division. 

James H. Cramer, assistant train master, middle division. 



188 



III.STORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY, 



HOWABD TIPTON'S 

LIVERY, SALE 



H 



GOOD, SSFE STOCK, 



STYLISH YEHICLES, 



PRICES LOW AKD SATISFACTION GUARANTEED. 



1017 ELEVEKTH AVENUE, AUTOONA, PA. 



CAMPBELL & COLE, 

— dealeus in — 

Dry Goods. 



RocERiES, Flour, Feed 

PROVISIONS OF ALL KINDS IN SEASON. 



A:N ESl'ECIALLY LARCE STOCK OF 



Carpets and Oil Cloths, 

BOOTS, SHOES, ETC. 
Corner 8tli Avenue and 18th Sti-eet, xlltooriM, Pa, 



HISTORY OF ALTOONA ANT) BLAIR COUNTY. 



189 



CITY GOVERNMENT. 



By referring- to piigcs (')l-2-3 the reader will be enabled to infer 
what kind of a town or hamlet Altoona was i)revious to its erection 
into a boroug-h, which occurred on February 6, 1854. We append a 
list of the burgesses : 



George W. I'iitton... 
Thomas JNlcCaiiley.. . 
James Lowther — . - 

Enos M. Jones 

V/. C. McCormick ... 



, .1851-.1 1 Jolin AUison 

ISiiO I ^V'i^iilm Leonard. 

1857 I Jolni Baerf 

. .18.18-9 U. Fettinf^er, sr. .. 

. . . . i8(;.o 



. 18(36 
.1867 



In February, 1808, Altoona received a city charter. Through 
the courtesy of John McNevin, who has been the efficient clerk of the 
city council since 1876, we have obtained a list of the officers w^ho 
have controlled our municipal affairs up to tlu^ ]n-esent time, which 
we submit : 



NAMES OF IIAYOKS AND YEAR OF ELECTION. 



(Jeoro-e Potts. 
David Kitich. 
1). A. GlUand. 



.1868 i Tlionias W. Hurd. 
.1873 W. T. Howard 

.1874 I 



.1878 
.1K>^0 



NAMES OF CITY TREASURERS AND TERM OF OFFICE. 

James Lowther 1868 | W^ C. Gamraitli 

Thomas Kl way 1870 | John C. Snllivan 

Jacob Sn vder 187'2 

John H. Carr I*''* I 



1876 

1878 

W . s! Bittnel'.. ...'.'. ISSO 



CITY' RECORDER. 



Thomas H. Gi 



'T,- 



1868. 



.1878-83 



MEMBERS OF COUNCIL. 



1871. 



1st ^vard, D. K. Barney, II. ('. Dern 
2nd ward, M". B. BartU-y. John Dchihunt. 
3rd M-ard, T. I. MeKiernan. -W. Murray. 
4th wai'd, J. X. Cihuidhii;-, A. ll. Maxwell. 
.5th wartl, David Robison, James Smith, 
6th ward, Bliillip Fadle, John Rocket. 

1869. 

1st ward, II. C. Dern, Jacob Snyder. 
'>nd ward, J. W. Devlin, Andrew Kipple. 
3rd ward, *W. Mnrrav. R. A. <). Kerr. 
4th ward, A. II. Maxwell. John II. Carr. 
.5th ward, James Smith, Jno. W. Robison. 
6tli ward, John Rocket, .John O'Toole. 

1870. 

1st ward, Geo. W. Stewart, Pat. Green. 
'2nd ward, Andrew Kipple, Henry Elway, 
3rd war(L *R. A. O. Kerr, E. M. Jones. 
4th wai-d, .John H. Carr. Clement Jagurard 
.5th ward, J. W. Robison, H. N. Anderson. 
6th ward, John O'Toole, Joseph Long. 



1st ward. Robert Green, D. K. Baniey. 
211(1 ward, Henry Elway. John Lloyd. 
:!id ward, *E. M. Jones, R. A. O. Kerr. 
4tli ward, II. N. Anderson, Sam'l Sprankle. 
5tli ward, C. Jaggard, W. S. Douglass. 
6th ward, Joseph Long, J. C. McCloskey. 

1872. 
1st ward. D. K. Ramey, J. \V. Cnrry. 
•2nd ward, .lohn Llovd, James Clabaugh. 
3rd ward, *R. A. O. Kerr, J. Capstiek. 
4lh ward, W. S. Douglass, T. 1. MeKiernan. 
.'^th ward, Sam'l Sprankle, H.N. Anderson. 
6th ward, J. McCloskey, J. T. McDonald, 

j 1873. 

1st ward, J. W. Curry. Jno. Clingerman. 
2nd ward, James Clabaugh, R. J. Crozier. 
3rd wanl. .L Capstiek. *Jno. Swartz. 
4th ward, T, I. MeKiernan, Sam'l Lloyd. 
.-)th wanl, H. X. Anderson, John Lloyd. 
6th ward, J. T. McDonald. .Jno. Rockett. 
|7th ward, David Walker, J. C. McCartney. 
Isth ward, J. F, Beegle, G. A. Smith. 



*We are unable 1<w)btain precise dates for Allison and Leonard. 

tJohn P,aer served but three months. His unexpired term was liUe.l Dy ii. i>. 



Dern, at that time president of the council 



190 



HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY. 



MEMBERS OF COUNCIL— CONTNIUED. 



1874. 



1st ward, Jno. Clina;ermari, Fred Olmes. 
2iid ward, R. .J. Crozier, D. S. Markey. 
.'>rd w ard. .Tno. Swartz, A. G. Sink. 
4th ward, *.Sanri Lloyd, Albert Heess. 
5tli wanl, .loliii Lloyd. William Stoke. 
6tli ward. .John lloe'kett, -Juo. F. Storni. 
7tli war.l, Dayiil Walker, .J. C. IVlcCartney, 
8th ward. .J. F. Beegle, F, S. Ball. 

IS7.5. 
1st ward, P. W. Olmes, George Metz. 
2nd ward, *D. S. Markey, G. J. Akers 
3rd M-ard, A. G. Sink, James Harkins 
4th ward, A. F. Heess, Sam'l Lloyd, 
•■jth ward, VVm. Stolve, C. Hauser". 
tith ward, Jno. Storm, F. D. Casanave 
7th ward, J. C. McCartney, J. Gearliart. 
SU\ ward, F. S. Ball, Dayid Kocli. 

1S76. 
Ist ward, George Metz, A. Ake 
2nd ^vard, G. J. Akers, Blain McCormiek. 
;!rd ward. .Tames Ilarkins, *A. G. Sink 
4tli ward. Sam'l Lloyd, W. W. Smith, 
.'ith ward. 0. Hanser, Geo. W. Detwiler. 
6tli ward, F. T). Casanave, Jno. O'Toole. 
7th ^^•ard, J. Gearliart, N. T. Cunningham, 
cSth ward, Dayid Koch, Wni. Decker. 

1877. 
1st w ard. A. Ake, S. Taylor. 
2ii<l ward, B. McCormiek, James Lntz. 
3rd ward, *A. G. Sink, J. L. Reifsnyder. 
4th ward, H. W. Snyder, J. G. Flanigan. 



.'»tli ward. Geo. "W. Detwiler. Paul Sharp. 
(5tli ward, Jno. O'Toole, F. D. Casanave. 
7th ward, N. T. Cunningham, W. McGill. 
8tli ward, W. M. Decker, G. W. Cessna. 

1878. 
1st ward, Samjison Taylor, .1. F. Bowman. 
2nd ward, .James Lutz, .Tno. M. Klein. 
ord ward, J. L. Reifsnyder, Frank Molloy. 
4th ward, .1. G. Flanigan, H. B. Kendig. 
.ith ward, Paul Shar]i, C. C. Mateer. 
(ith ward, *F. I). Casanave, D. G. Owens. 
7th ward, N. T. Cun iiingham, H. S. Moi-gau. 
8th ward, Geo. W. Cessna, J. B. BurkeVt. 

1879. 
1st ward, .Tno. P.owman, Sampson Taylor. 
2nd ward, Jno. M. Klein, W. B. Bartley. 
3rd ward, *Frank MoUoy. A. F. Kerr. 
4th ward, II. B. Kendig, A. H. Maxwell. 
■"ith ward, C. C. Mateer', -Tno. Flanigan. 
(itli ward, 1). G. Owens, F. I). Casanave. 
7tli ward, H. S. Morgan, Harry Geesej'. 
8th ward, John B. Burket, F. S. Ball. 

1880. 
1st ward, S. Tavlor, A. L. McCartney. 
2nd ward, W. B. Bartley, Zac. Endress. 
3rd ward, A. F. Kerr, *Frauk Molloj' 
4th ward, A. H. Maxwell, H. W. Snyder, 
."ith ward, .Tno. Flanigan, IM. Keoug'h. 
(ith ward, F. 1). Casanave, Tliomas Miller. 
7tli ward, II;irry (ieesej', Rinehart Line. 
8th ward, F. S. I'.all, Jas. D.Brannan. 



Members marked thus * were presidents of council. 

SECllETAKIES OF COUNCIL. 

J. W. McKinney 180S-70 1 T. B. Patton 1873-5 

1 . L. Patton 1871 John McN evin 1876-80 

Timothy Brophy 1S72 

N.4MES OF SOLICITORS. 

r>- J. Xeft- 18(58-70 : H. H. Herr 1875-6 

JSctr cV Riley IS71 A. V. Dively 1877 

S. M. Woodcock 1872 Alexander & Ilerr 1878 

1>- •!• X'^ett 187;; I J, G. Flanigan 1879-80 

NAMES OF CIVIL ENGINEER.S. 

E. F. Lytle 1872-3 I J. B. Haupt 1875 

William McDonald 1874 I William McDonald 1879-80 

.SUrERINTENDENT OF WATER DEPARTMENT. 

John A. Baer 1875-80 



NAMES OF POLICEMEN. 



Arthur Stoi'in 1868-9 | 

J. A. Wliitmer 1868-70 

IL B Foreman 1870-1 \ 

G . W. Ilazzard 1871 i 

J. A Westbrook. chief. 1872-3 1 

William Robeson 1872-3 

J. K. Ely 1872-3 

John H. Coolce 1873 

Ben.ianiin Burley 187.'!-.5 ■ 

Tliebdore Doll . .". 1873 

T. S. Riley, chief 1874 

W. T. Howard 1874-5 

J. M. Lantz 1874 j 

George D. Randolph 1874-6 

W. W. Smith, chief 1875-6 



Jacob Holtzman 1875 

John Coho 1876-8 

George D. Randolph, chief 1877 

Charles W. Whitt le 1877 

James P. McDonald, chief. 1878 

George D. Randolph 1878 

Abram Myers 1878-80 

H. E. Fettinger 1878-9 

.1 acob Hoi t zman, chief 1879 

Jaini's Allen 1879-80 

James Powell, chief 1880 

John Kimmell 1880 

C. A. Dotzler 1880 

Anton Schitt lekopf. 1880 

Chas. W. Whittle, special police, 1880 



HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY. 



191 



NAMES OF STREET C'OMMISSIONEUS. 



George D. Randolph., 1868 

Hugh McCartney 1869 

William Fox 1870-2 

Sanip.sou Taylor 1873-4 



Bernard Kt 
C. N. Atkin 
John Koc-Uci t 



cy 



. . .1875 
. 187(>-9 
, . . 1880 



ALDERMEN. 

First, Tlilrd and .Seventli wards— B. F. Rose. 
Second, Fourth and Eighth wards— W. B. Blake. 
Fit'tli and Sixth wards — lohn O'Toole. 

CON.STABLBS. 

Jackson (iiljbs- second term— West side. 
Joseph W. Dougherty- third term— East side. 

CITY FINANCES. 

For the fiscal year, ending- December 31, 1871), the receipts of the 
city treasurer had been $21,419.99, and his expenditures $20,165.23, 
leaving a balance in his hands of $1,254.76. The outstanding indeljt- 
edness of the city up to the time specificul was: City fund, $7,128.01 ; 
water fund, $207,310.05; improvement fund, $155,010.00— total, 
$309,448.06. 

We append a tabular statement by wards of the; number of taxa- 
bles in the city, the valuation of property and the assessments : 



Taxahlos. Valuation. 

First ward 634 $325,060 

Second Avard 821 239,501 

Third ward 505 393,900 

Fourtli ward 619 398.165 

Fifth ward 746 187.6-25 



Taxables. Valuation 

Sixth ward 838 $210,757 

Seventh ward 251 121,.575 

Eighth ward 487 103,075 

Total 4,901 $1,979,658 



THE ASSESSMENTS. 





City Tax. 


Water Tax. 


Iinprovem't 


Total. 


First ward 


$1,9.50 36 
1,437 01 
2,363 40 
2,388 99 
1,125 75 
1,264 54 
729 45 
618 45 


$3,250 60 
2,395 01 
3,939 00 
3,981 ()5 
1,87() 25 
2,107 57 
1.215 75 
1,030 75 


$1,300 24 
958 00 
1,575 60 
1,592 66 
750 50 
843 03 
486 30 
412 30 


$6.,501 20 
4,79(J 02 






7,878 00 


Fourth W ard 


7,963 30 
3,752 50 
4 215 14 


Fifth ward 

Sixth ward 


Seventh ward 


2,431 .50 
2,0(il 50 






Total 


11.877 95 


19.79() 58 


7.918 63 


39,-593 16 









192 HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY. 



FRIES BROS. 



DEALERS IN ALL KINDS OF 



HARDV/ARE, 

Paints, Oils, Glass, Putty, 

Table and Pocket Cutlery, Silver-plated Ware, and everything kept in a 
First-class Hardware Store. 



Heaters, 
Ranges, 
Stoves 

ALL OF THE LATEST IMPROVED PATTERNS. 



Tm, Copper and Sheet-iron Ware, Pumps, and a general 
variety of Wooden Ware. 



SPORTSMEN'S GOODS: 

Guns, Revolvers, Powder, 

Shot, Fishing Tackle, Etc. 



ROOFING, SPOUTING AND REPAIRING PROMPTLY DONE. 



1313 Eleventh Avenue, - Altoona, Ph. 



HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND ULAIR COUNTY. 193 



GENERAL DIRECTORY OF ALTOONA. 



ALTOONA AVENUES AND STREETS. 

Bell's avenue, from eastern limits of city to Fourth street. 
Crawford avenue, from eastern limits of city to Eleventh street. 
First avenue, from eastern limits of city to Nineteenth street. 
Second avenue, from east to west boundary or limits. 
Third avenue, from east to west boundary or limits. 
Fourth avenue, from east to west boundary or limits. 
Fifth avenue, from east to west boundary or limits. 
Sixth avenue, from east to west boundary or limits. 
Seventh avenue, from western limits to township road, between 
First and Second streets. 

Eighth avenue, from intersection of township road, between Third 
and Fourth streets, to Union avenue. 

Ninth avenue, from Avestern limits of city to Fourth avenue. 
Tenth avenue, from Eighth to Sixteentli streets, and from Eigh- 
teenth street to western limits of city. 

Eleventh avenue, from Seventh street to western limits. 
Twelfth avenue, from Eleventh to Sixteenth streets, and from 
Eighteenth street to city limits. 

Thirteenth avenue, from Eleventh to Sixteenth streets, and from 
Eighteenth street to western limits. 

Fourteenth avenue, from Eleventh to Fourteenth streets, and 
from Eighteenth to Twenty-fifth streets. 

Fifteenth avenue, from Eleventh to Thirteenth streets. ' 

Sixteenth avenue, from Tenth to Sixteenth streets, and from Dry 
Gap road to Twenty-third street. 

Seventeenth avenue, from Tenth street to Coleman's road. 

Eighteenth avenue, from Tenth street to Coleman's road. 

Fairview avenue, from cemetery to eastern limits. 

Calvert avenue, from cemetery to eastern limits. 

Caldwell avenue, from cemetery to west Second street. 

Green avenue, from Seventh to Eleventh streets. 

Chestnut avenue, from Seventh to Eleventh streets. 

Lexington avenue, from Eighth to Eleventh streets. 

Howard avenue, from Eighth to Eleventh streets. 

Union avenue, from Eleventh avenue to Twenty-seventh st., west. 



194 HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY. 

Hamilton avenue, from cemetery to eastern limits. 

Broad street, from Union avenue to western limits. 

Margaret street, from Sixteenth street to Union avenue. 

Beale street, from Union avenue to western limits. 

West Chestnut street, from Twenty-third street to western limits. 

Maple street, from Twenty-third street to western limits. 

Oak street, from Twenty-fourth street to western limits. 

Walnut street, from Twenty-fourth street to western limits. 

Middle street, from Twenty-fifth street to western limits. 

Lombard street, from Seventh street to city limits east. 

East Chestnut street, from Fourth street to city limits. 

Hickory street, from Fourth street to eastern city limits. 

East Walnut street, from Fourth street to eastern city limits. 

Greevy street, from Lombard street to northern city limits. 

East First street, from Lombard street to northern city limits. 

East Second street, from southern limits to Seventh street. 

West Second street, from Lombard to northern city limits. 

East Third street, from southern limits to Eighth avenue. 

West Third street, from Lombard street to northern limits. 

Fourth street, from southern to northern limits. 

Fifth street, from southern limits to Ninth avenue. 

Sixth street, from southern limits to Ninth avenue. 

East Seventh street, from southern limits to Ninth avenue. 

West Seventh street, from Eleventh avenue to Lombard street. 

East Eighth street, from southern limits to Ninth avenue. 

West Eighth street, from Green avenue to Lexington avenue. 

Ninth street, from soutliern to northern limits. 

East Tenth street, from southern limits to Eighth avenue. 

West Tenth street, from Green avenue to Wopsonnonock road. 

East Eleventh street, from Third to Ninth avenues. 

West Eleventh street, from Tenth avenue to northern limits. 

Twelfth street, from southern to northern limits. 

East Thirteenth street, from southern limits to Ninth avenue. 

West Thirteenth street, from Tenth avenue to northern limits. 

East Fourteenth street, from southern limits to Ninth avenue. 

West Fourteenth .street, from Tenth avenue to northern limits. 

East Fifteenth street, from southern limits to Ninth avenue. 

West Fifteenth street, from Tenth avenue to northern limits. 

East Sixteenth street, from southern limits to railroad. 

West Sixteenth street, from Tenth avenue to city limits. 

Seventeenth street, from southern limits to Dry Gap road. 



HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY. 195 

West Seventeenth street, from Tenth avenue to Dry rjiip ro:ul. 
Bridge street, from J]leventh avenue to V. K. R. 
East Eighteenth street, from southern limits to Ninth av<"nue. 
West p]ighteenth street, from Tenth to Union avenues. 
East Nineteenth street, from southern limits to Union avenue. 
West Nineteenth street, from Tenth avenue to city limits. 
East Twentieth street, from southern limits to Union avenue. 
West Twentieth street, from Tenth avenue to city limits north. 
East Twenty-first street, from southern limits to Broad street. 
West Twenty-first street, from Tenth avenue to city limits north. 
East Twenty-second street, from southern limits to Broad street. 
West Twenty-second street, from Tenth avenue to limits north. 
East Twenty-third street, from southern limits to p]ighth avenue. 
West Twenty-third street, from Tenth avenue to Broad street. 
Twenty-fourth street, from southern to northern limits. 
Twenty-fifth street, from southern to northern limits. 
East Twenty-sixth street, from southern limits to Seventh av«Miue. 
West Twenty-sixth street, from Ninth avenue to northern limits. 
Twenty-seventh street, from southern limits to Seventh avenue. 

ASSOCIATIONS. 

AUoona Association, No. 2, of the Independent Order of Pliilozatheans 

Altoona Mechanics' Library and Reading liooni Association. 

Bethany Circle B. U. of Pa., (H. F.) No. -20. 

Cresson Conncil, No. 108, Jr. O. U. A. M. 

Freight Shop Aid Association. 

Moses Monteflore Lodge, No. .308, I. O. B. B. 

Mountain City Council, No. 198, O. U. A. M. 

Mystic Castle, No. 27, A O. K. of M. C. 

Railroad Men's Christian Association. 

Rising Sun Circle, No. 50, B. U. (H. F.) of Pa. 

St. John's Literary and Benevolent Association. 

Sodality of the Blessed Virgin. 

IToung Men's Christian Association. 

BUILDIN(; AND LOAN ASSOCIATIONS. 

Altoona. ; Keystone. 
Allegheny. f°San. 

Enterprise. Mechanics'. 

Franklin. i Washington. 

IMPHOVEn OliDEU OF RED MEN. 

Tammany Tribe, No. 85. 
Winnebago, Tribe, No. 35. 

INDEPENDENT ORDEll OF ODD FELLOWS. 

Altoona Encampment, No, 12!). 

Altoona Lodge, No. 473. 

Amelia Degree Lodge, Daughters of Rebekah. 

Eudora Degree Lodge, Daugliters of Rebekah, No. 87. 

Eleanor Degree Lodge. Daughters of Rebekah, No. 21. 

Mountain City Lodge, No. 837. 

Vernaudah Lodge, No. 532. 



196 HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY 

\rr\ 



v_y 



H 




H 



AFTER SHAVING. 



H 



IT BEATS BAY' RUM. Ladies user it to remove Skin Irruptions. Prevents hair 
from falling out. PRICE, 75 CENTS PER BOTTLE. 

C. F. RANDOLPH, Prop'r., 

HOG ELEVENTH STREET, - ALTOONA, PA. 



MICHAEL FITZHARRIS, 

HEALER IN 

Groceries, Flour, Feed and Provisions, 



Canned Fruits, Wood and Willow Ware. 

Coi-ner Twelfth Avenue and Sixteenth Street, 

ALTOONA, PA. 



D. ,T. NEFF. N. I'. MERVIXE. 

NEFF & MERVINE, 

Attorneys and Counsellors at Law, 

OFFICE: 13th Street, bet. lOth and 11th Avenues, 
ALTOONA, PA. 



JOHN O'TOOLE, 

ALDERMAN, 

OFFICE: Corner Ele\^enth A\^enue and Seven- 
teenth Street, Altoona, Pa. 

Conveyancing attended to and Collections promptly made. 



HlST(tUY OF ALTOONA AND HLAIR COUNTY. 1 '.>7 



KNIOHT.S OK I'YTHIAS. 



Loi^an Lodge, No. 79. 
Wliitc Cross Lodge, No. 354. 



Logun f><)dgc, No. 4H0, F. ^V A. M. 
Mountiiiii Lodgo, No. 281, F. & A. M. 
Mountain Cluiptor, No. 189, 11. A. M. 
Mountain Counoil, No. 9, R. & S. M. 
Mountain Connnandery, No. 10, K. T 



AMUSKMEMTS. 



Altoona City Opora House: Eleventh street and Kle\«Milli nvenue; seats l.-JOO : 
stage '.^7x35; ten sets of scenery: proprietor. -losepli Walscm : manager and bill 
poster, J. Cloyd Krelder. 

SILVEll Or.EY SOCIAL CLUli. 



?anizcd August '20, 1S79 ; composed ot elderly gentlemen, of excellent social 
ng, whose ages probaljly average (iO years. I'l'esident, Koliert Alexander: 
iresideut, Allen McGlathery ; treasurer, .John Miller; secretary, II. Fettin- 



Organ 
Standi 
vice pr 
ger, Sr. ; nund^er of niendiers, JJO. 



TELEGRAPH OFFICES. 



American Union Telegraph Company, Logan House. 
Western Union Telegraph Company, Logan House. 



rOST OFFICE, 



Twelfth street, between Tenth and Eleventh avenues: ottice liours, 7 a. m. to 
8.30 V. M. ; Sundays, from 9.30 to 10.30 a. m. ; legal holidays fron 7 to 10 a. m., and 7 to 
8.30p.m.; T. Blair Patton, postmaster; James E. Winn, assistant: registry clerk, 
AV. P. Patton : delivery clerk, A. S. Johnson. 

MUSICAL ORGANIZATIONS. 

Th(> art or science of harmonious sounds, or the itrodiictioii of 
simultaneous sounds in accord or hannun}-, is evidently well under- 
stood by the various instrumental and vocal musical associations of 
Altoona. Of this we justly feel proud. Takinii' into consideration 
all the circumstances, nothing- but umiualitied praise is due, l)oth in- 
dividually and collectively, to the gentlemen who furnish our local 
musical entertainments. We give a list of the mem))ers of the bands, 
alphabetically arranged, with their instunieiitation : 

altoona city P,A>'D. 



Organized in 18!'»:; Jule A. Nell", leader: A. C. IJrown, drum major. 

Letford. John, 1st tenor trombom 
Labe, Harry, glockenspiel. 
.Matthews, Jaiiies, -2 15 flat tenor. 



Armstrong. Irvin, baritone. 
Canty, Patrick, 1st E tlat cornet. 
Carr, Wni. K., 1st D Hat cornet. 
Clabaugh, Andrew, solo alto. 
Cunningham, Newton F., bass drum. 
Durnbaugh. Harry. E flat bass. 
Fettinger, Charles L., cyndjals. 
Grinnne, Igniitius, piccolo. 
Hammer, Florian, 1st E flat clarionet. 
Hargraves, George, '2(1 tenor trombone. 
Hargraves, James, euphonon. 
Jones, Wm. 1)., 1st U Hat tenor. 

14 



• tewart, G. M., 1st alto. 
Sidel. John, 2d alto. 
Snyder. Ed., E tlat bass. 
St()nt, CliarUs, snare drum. 
Thomasburger. F., 1st 15 flat clarionet. 
Willi.s. Ed., 2d B flat cornet. 
Westbrook, \V. D., 3d 15 tlat cornet. 
Weidlich, Stephen. 2d 15 tlat clarionet. 
Wolf, Wm. II., snare drum. 



198 HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY. 



MOUNTAIN CITY BAND. 



Orgiinized in 1875; Nelson Graham, leader; M. M. Rush, drum major. 



Bnrkett, Geo. W., Ist alto. 
Black, Kdward, c-yiabals. 
Barkheimer, M. M., bass drum. 
Bnrkett, John B., '2d E flat cornet. 
Coyle, B. J ., snare drum. 
Davis, Abraham, snare drum. 
Ehrhart^ George VV., tuba. 
Elliott, Howard, B flat cornet. 
Forry, Robert, solo alto. 



Kipp, George. E flat tuba. 
Mintell, Roman, baritone. 
Myers, Ellswoitli, piccolo. 

Miller, . 2d tenor. 

Shoemaker-, Henry F., 2d B flat cornet. 

Ward, Joshua T., trombone. 

VVahl, Joseph F., 1st tenor. 

Ward, William, 2d alto. 

Walters, Charles L., solo B flat cornet. 



JUNIOR greys' band. 
Organized Sept. 1, 1S77 ; G. W. Dunlap, leader ; George Blackburn, drum major. 
Bolger, S. P., baritone. 



Davis, G. W., E flat cornet. 
Foust, Samuel, bass. 
Graft, David L.. snare drum. 
Hutt'num, Hai'ry, 1st alto. 
Jackson, B. D., E flat cornet. 
Kerline, C'loyd W., 1st tenor. 
Kuhns, L. M., bass. 



Meredith, William, solo alto. 
Patterson, Charles C, bass drum. 
Renner, Charles W., 1st B flat cornet. 
StoutTer, J. D., 3d B flat cornet. 
Stover, Jacob, 2d B flat cornet. 
Stover, J. H.. 3d tenor. 
Salsbnrg, C. C, cymbals. 
White. Judson, 2d alto. 



citizens' cornet band. 
Organized in 1878; A. Filer, leader. 

Nolan, Thomas. E flat clai'ionet. 
Stouft'er. H. W., E flat cornet. 
Shade, Howard, 1st E flat alto. 
Speece, John, cvmbals. 
Snell, H. F., E. flat cornet. 
Waite, D. A., baritone, 
Waggoner, George, bass drum. 



Baird, James M., E flat bass. 
Beasom, Thos., 1st B flat tenor. 
Cantner. John. 2d B flat tenor. 
Dibert, AVilllam, 2d E flat alto. 
Hikes, G. W.. solo E flat alto. 
Hoftman, I). F., E flat bass. 
Lindsev, H. M., snare drum. 
Miller, C. W., E flat cornet. 

C4ERMAN SOCIAL CORNET BAND. 

Organized September, 1878; president, Andrew Auer : vice president, John H. 
Schmidt; secretary, George Bender; treasurer, John Foster; leader, John Foster. 

FROHSINN SINGING SOCIETY. 

Organized in 1862; 1.35 members; president, E. Zenisch; secretary, Oscar Han- 
son ; treasurer, Jacob Rink ; teacher, J. F. Maeder. New hall erected in 1877. 

CONCORDIA SINGING SOCIETY. 

Organized in 1870 : 126 members ; president, Balzer Wolf; vice president, Henry 
Vetter; secretary, Geo. Hauser : treasurer, Geo. Koelle, jr.; director, Fred. Ehredt. 

THE MILITARY. 

Considering its age our cit}" enjoys a fair share of military re- 
nown. During the war of the rebellion it furnished its quota of men 
with cheerfulness and alarcity, none of whom Ijrought disgrace upon 
the flag of our country. 

The first company formed in Altoona (1854) was called the 
" Logan Rangers." H. J. Lombeart was captain ; John L. Piper, first 
lieutenant ; Harry Sellers, second lieutenant, and William Renner, 
third lieutenant. The company numbered about sixt}" men, many of 
the survivors still living in Altoona and Blair county. The late Col. 
John L. Piper, who entered as first lieutenant, afterwards became 
captain, who was succeeded by Jacob Zink. When this company dis- 
banded another was formed, many of the members of the old com- 
pany entering into its organization. Jacob Zink was captain ; R. J. 



HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND I5LA1R COUNTY. 199 

Crozier, first liciiteiiaiit, and Fred. Schilling-er, second lieutenant. It 
was nuistered into tlie United States service as Company E, 8rd Pa. 
Vols., April 20, 1801, and served three months. 

The Altooiia (Jnards was or.y-anized in Septemlx'r, 1 Sn4. P. S. 
Reed was captain ; Henry Wayne, first lieutenant, and Kzra Ale, 
second lieutenant. In the sprin,«i- of ISoo Ca])tain Reed went west, 
wljen Lieutenant Wayne was nnide captain. Both these men had 
seen active service — Reed in the Mexican war, and Wayne in the 
Florida war. On the 20th of April, 18()1, the company was mus- 
tered into service, under Captain Wayne, as Company B, ord Pa. 
Vols., and was mustered out at expiration of service, July 29, 1861. 
In the following month the company was re-organized and, on the 
26th day of that month, was mustered in as Co. F, T6th regiment Pa: 
Vols., for three years, with Henry Wayne as captain, who was killed 
in action at Pocotaligo, South Carolina, on October 22, 1862. On 
the 28th day of November, 1864, the remnant of the company was 
mustered out of service. The majority of the men had been killed or 
discharged on account of wounds and other disabilities. 

A company of one hundred men was organized, partly through the 
instrumentality of Mortimer B. Morrow, and was mustered as Com- 
pany I, 205th regiment Pa. Yols., on September 2, 1864. Ira R. 
Shipley was Captain; John A. McCahan, first lieutenant, and Henry 
Elway, second lieutenant. On the 30th of October the captain was 
discharged. John A. McCahan superseded him, and Henry Hawk, 
who previously had been sei'geant, became first lieutenant, and Henry 
Elway remaiiicd second lieutenant. The company had enlisted for 
one year, but was mustered out on June 2, 1865, the war having 
closed. 

The "Keystone Zouaves" was organized in 18T1, with John R. 
Garden as captain ; Harry A. Miller, first lieutenant, and Charles L. 
Fettinger, second lieutenant. It numbered al)out sixty men. Some- 
time in 18T3 this company was re-organized and its name changed 
to "Latta Guard," when Theodore Burchfield became its captain; 
Maiden Valentine, first lieutenant, and F. R. Barr, second lieutenant. 

In 18U the Fifth regiment N. G. Pa. Avas formed. The Latta 
Guard, of Altoona ; Juniata Riflemen, of Hollidaysburg, together 
with companies of Bedford and Cambria counties, composed it. 
James F. Milliken was elected colonel. He was discharged from the 
service November 2, 18T6. He was succeeded by P. B. Wilson, of 
Bellefonte, at which time Theodore Burchfield was made lieutenant 
colonel. Colonel Wilson died in February, 1878. in March, same 



200 



HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY. 



year, TlicodorL' Burehtield \va.< elected eolonel, and at the present 
time is the commandiiiii' ottieei- of the re_<>iment. 

Ill July, 1878, the National Guard of the State was re-orgauized, 
and the Fifth rei>'inient consisted then, as it does now, of Company 
A, of El)ensl)ar,ii-; Company ]>, of Bellefonte ; Company C, of Holli- 
daysburg; Company D, of Altoona; Company E, of IMiilipsburg ; 
Compan}' G, of Lewistown; Company H, of Johnst(»\vii, and Com- 
pany I, of Bedford. 

The commissioned field and staff officers of the regiment consist of 
Colonel Theodore Burchfield, of Altoona ; Lieutenant Colonel D. H. 
Hastings, of Bellefonte; Major P. J. Woleslagle, of l'hilii)sl)urg; 
Adjutant W. Sargent, jr., of Altoona; Quartermaster J. A. Rohrer, 
of Hollidaysburg; Commissary H. I). Tate, of Bedford; Surgeon 
George F. Harris, of Bellefonte; Assistant Surgeons I. C. Blaisdell, 
of Wilmore, and A. S. Stayer, of Roaring Spring; Paymaster C. S. 
Marks, of Lewistown; and Chaplain D. W. Hunter, of Lewistown. 

Near Braddock's station, on the 8th of September, 1880, the Fifth, 
together with six other regiments were ins])ected Ijy General Gibson, 
U. S. A., and James W. Latta, Adjutant General of Pennsylvania, who 
complimented the Fifth as being the tirst in point of merit. This 
oi)inion was also giYcn by General J. F. Hartranft, who was present 
on the Occasion. 

Company I), (Fifth regiment) was organized in August, 1879. 
The commissioned officers are Cai)tain John L. Piper; First Lieu- 
teiumt Edwin M. Amies, and Second Ijieutemiiit John I\. Garden. 



IJiUl, Will. H., (corporal.) 

IJtMisou, WiUiain 

JJeiiikT, A. J. 

Bei-kowitz, WiUiain 

IJoaine, il. K. 

Bruiiibarger. W. H. 

Butler, Joseph, (corporal.) 

Oasev. Tlionui^i, (cori)oral.) 

Olirislv. K. M. 

Davis. K. M.. (corporal.) 

Dag'enliart, A. 

Dagenhart, K. 

Douglass, J. P. 

Devlin Jauu's 

Enright, WiUiani 

Evey, J. T. 

Fceney, Jolm 

Fowle, George D., (sergeant.) 

Outluie. 11. B., (sergeant.) 

Hakleman, B. F. 

Herr, Charles 

Hudson, Y. D., (sergeant.) 

Honcli, H. J. 

Hill, John 

Kinney, Bryan 

Lippet, Ed. 

I.ouden, Win. 1). 

JNlacUev. John A., (corporal.) 

Maher, Win. K. 



McConncll. .(aiiics A. 
Mcfjoiigh, 'riumias F. 
Miller. 'l>iUhcr 
jMiller, Fri'derick 
Montgoincr\', J. 1'. 
McDowell, Uoliert 
Xanle. L. W.. (serueaut.) 
O'UoiincU. r. B. 
Pollitt. K. F. 
Ueynoids, II. L. 
Roberts, Harrv C. (serycant.) 
Scott, U. W., ((•(uporal.) 
Slep, Ed. J. 
Smith, J. Lincoln 
Spanldiiig. (ieorge T. 
Turner, \V. L. 
Turner, W. A. 

Yetter, Max- 
Walker. M. U. 

\Yalker. s. C. 

Weaver. William 

Weiss. (:iiarles T., (corporal.) 

Westtall. William C, (coriioial.) 

Wherr\', <ief)i'ge I\L 

Whittle, C:. W. 

Woods, IIarr\' F^, 

Woodring. .(oliii (:. 

Ziininernian, W. 



JIISTOKV (»F AI/i'(H)NA AND 151, AIU COUNTY. 



201 



HOLLIDAYSBURG. 



BY H. II. SNYDKR. 



Adiini nnd William Ilclliday were brotlicvs.* They ciiii.uTatod to 
this countrY from tlie north of Ireland in the year 1*150, and settled 
in liancaster eonnty in this State. From there they moYed to Frank- 
lin count V and settled on the banks of the Conoeoeheagne. They 




served in the Avars against tlie Freiieli and Indians, of 1155-0 and of 
1762-3. Adam was a lieutenant under Col. Armstrong, and accom- 
panied him on his expedition over the mountains to destroy the In- 
dian town of Kittanning. Their route was over the ground on which 



*In his liistory of Juniata Yalley, Mr. Jones states that Adam and William 
llollidiiy were cousins. This error sliould be corrected. The grand-daughter of 
Adam, now- residing in Lowistown, a lady of line intelligence, and good memory, 
seventy-six years of age, states that they were brothers, and she is at a loss to know 
how such an error could have originated. 



202 HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY. 

HollidaYsburg- now stands. In IT 68, these brothers resolved to seek 
a new location, and, placing- all their earthly possessions on pack- 
horses, faced westward, hoping to reach the banks of the Allegheny 
and possess themselves of some of the fertile lands which border on 
that river, and they, like others we read of in history, saw and ad- 
mired those rich valleys whilst engaged in their military campaigns. 
But upon their arrival at the place Avhere Hollidaysburg now stands, 
then a wild and unbroken wilderness, they determined to halt and 
proceed no farther. They apprehended trouble with the Indians who 
still held undisputed possession of the lands of that region. 

Adam Holliday took out a warrant for one thousand acres of land 
and erected his "homestead," a rough building of logs, on the brow 
of the hill from which he could have a good view of the Juniata 
river as it meandered its course through the forests of beach and ma- 
ple, sugar and hickory, and had, at the same time, a commanding 
view of the country beyond. The site of this pioneer hut was the 
south-west corner of Allegheny and Montgomery streets. William 
crossed the river, and although somewhat discouraged by the swampy 
nature of the soil, finally found a location to suit him, in the ravine 
south of Gaysport, and what was for many years known as the Jack- 
son farms. He purchased one thousand acres from Mr. Peters. Gay- 
sport is built on a portion of this purchase. 

ERECTION OF THE FIRST SUBSTANTIAL HOUSE. 

The first sul)stantial house was erected about the clo.se of the 
Revolutionary war, by Mr. Adam Holliday, on the bank of the river 
near where the bridge between Hollidaysburg and Gaysport now 
stands. Many of the older citizens of the town have seen and re- 
member the old log house. Here he lived to a good old age, and 
died in 1801. Soon after the war broke out, and the Indians were 
hunting white scalps for shipment to Canada, to be paid for with 
British gold, Lieut. Holliday took command of all the able-bodied set- 
tlers, and selecting a favorable site erected a fort, which he named 
"Roberdeau," in honor of a French officer whom he admired. This 
fort was located on the flat l)etween the Williamsburg branch railroad 
and the river, and not far from the "Two locks." It proved, indeed, 
a place of refuge for the settlers, for here they would gather with 
their women and children and remain sometimes for weeks. In the 
year 1781, early in the month of August, William Holliday, having 
heard from the scouts that the country was clear of Indians, left Fort 
Roberdeau, accompanied by his two sons, Adam and Patrick, and his 



HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY. 203 

little davi.u-htcr, Jtinct, aii'cd alxnit foiirtci'ii, and wont over to the farm 
in the ravine to take ott' a crop of hay, when suddenly and unex- 
pectedly they were attacked Ijy a party of Indians, who lay in am- 
1)ush, and his two sons and daughter were killed. Mr. Holliday nar- 
rowly escaped with his life. The bodies were found where they had 
ftillen. All were-scalped. They were buried on the farm, near where 
they fell, and a rude stone marks their graves. This tragedy, hor- 
rible in its details, is part of the history of the early settlement of 
this part of the country, and is cited as an instance of th(^ cruelty of 
savages and the hardships of the pioneers. It was many months be- 
fore William recovered from this fearful shock. The screams of his 
little daughter, as she was being heartlessly and brutally butchered 
by the savage fiends, rang in his ears for many months afterward, 
and at times he was almost bereft of reason. But he did recover from 
it, and lived for many years afterward, and, dying at a good old age, 
was laid to rest by the side of his children. The place is still known 
as the "Holliday burying ground." 

Adam Holliday left surviving him a son and a daughter— John 
and Janet. John was accounted, in his day, the wealthiest man in 
this country. He removed to the Conemaugh and purchased all that 
tract of land on which Johnstown now stands, but having no faith in 
the future greatness of Johnstown,* sold out to Peter Livergood for 
eight dollars an acre, and returned to Hollidaysburg. He immedi- 
ately erected a hotel, and in the east end of the building opened a 
general store. The hotel property was subsequently purchased by 
Mr. Peter Hewit, father of Mr. James M. Hewit, who occupied it as a 
hotel, store and post office until the year 1839, Avhen it was torn 
down and on the same ground was erected the large brick build- 
ing now known as the "American House." 

In the primitive hotel liuilding was born Alexander L. Holliday, 
son of John Holliday. James M. Hewit was also born in the old 
hotel building. Both these gentlemen are still citizens of Hollidays- 
burg. Janet Holliday married William Reynolds, of Bedford county. 

Her sons William, James and Holliday — were proprietors of the 

American House during the years 1853-5. Mrs. Thomas W. Jack- 
son, of Altoona, is a daughter of James Reynolds. 

The Blairsville and Huntingdon turnpike, which i)asses through 
Hollidaysburg, was completed in 1818. The completion of this ini- 

* Mr. Holliday's clu-istian name being " John." the town was called JoHxs-town. 
Had not his surname entered into tlio composition of ■'IloUiihiyshurg," John.stown 
would doubtless have been called Hollidaysburg. 



204 HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY. 

])ortant hig-hway was reg-ardod as a long stride in pvogress. Previous 
to this time the road through this country was little more than a 
bridle path, and at an early day was known as a trail, called the "Kit- 
tanning trail." It crossed the river diagonally, starting at Alle- 
gheny street, crossing Avhere the viaduct now stands, and coming 
out at the steam grist miir of Wood, Morrel & Co. At that time 
Hollidaysburg consisted of the "Holliday and Adams' Taverns" and a 
few scattering houses. It now began to assume an air of more im- 
portance. The teamsters hauling merchandise between Philadelphia, 
or Baltimore, and Pittsburg made this a halting place, and almost 
every night the space in front of the "tavern," now the diamond, 
would be crowded with heavily ladened wagons. The "Adams 
House," or tavern, as it was called, was the oldest hotel in Hollidays- 
burg, and was built about the year 1790. Mr. John Bowers, sr., stated 
in the vear 1831, that when a young man, about forty years before 
that time, he stopped over night at this house. It occupied the 
ground on Allegheny street, where the buildings of A. F. Osterloh 
and Mrs. S. C. Snyder now stand. This house was for many years 
a favorite resort. The elections for Frankstown and Allegheny town- 
shi^is were held in it, the politics of the day were discussed here, 
and in its ample grounds the men for miles around, even from Franks- 
town, would gather and play what was then the favorite game of 
"ga))le ball." 

FIRST SURVEY MADE. 

From the best information obtainable, and a careful comparison of 
dates, it is safe to say that the town of Hollidaysburg was surveyed 
and plotted as early as 1780, not later than this, and perhaps a few 
years earlier. Mr. James M. Hewit has in his possession a copy of 
the original town plot, and it is very unfortunate that it does not 
contain a date ; not even the date when the copy was made. This 
old paper has been in his possession for upwards of forty years. We 
know the town was plotted prior to 1781, because Miss Janet Holli- 
day, who was massacred by the Indians in August of that year, was 
the owner of a lot on Walnut street, between Wayne and Union. 
This copy was evidently made in a very early period of the century,, 
for the lot on the north-west corner of Allegheny and Wayne 
streets, now the property of Mrs. Virginia Over, and was owned by 
her uncle, Christian Garber, as early as 1808, and on the plot it is in 
the name of Peter Titus. The boundaries of the town were Front 
street on the west : Union street on the east; Walnut street on the 



IITSTORY OF AT/roONA AND BLAIR COUNTY. 205 

novtli, iiiul MuHh'ITV street on the south. TUvvr were no lots on the 
west side of Front street; on the south si(h' of :\Iull)erry street, 
nor on the east side of Union strwt. Tlie laiid l)etweon Mul- 
berry street, or the southern limits, iind llie river wiis covered 
by the most beautiful sugar, hickory and walnut trees — it was a fa- 
mous sugar camp. This beautiful ^voods long remained a place of re- 
sort. It was known as the ^rove adjoining the basin. Here the pa- 
triotic citizens assembled to celebrate 

THE FOURTH OF .JULY. 

One of these good old-fashioned celebrations, which occurred on 
July 4th, 1830, will be briefly referred to, fov the purpose of showing 
the spirit of Hollida\-sburg at that day : John Dougherty, i)roprietor 
of the United States hotel, was the caterer of tlie occasion, or, as was 
the custom at that time, he was selected by the committee of arrange- 
ments to get up the dinner. He and his good wife were recognized 
as the host and hostess. Everybody assembled at the "United 
States," wdiere the procession was formed, and, headed by a band of 
music, proceeded to the grove. C. Garber, esq., was chosen presi- 
dent, and John Dougherty, vice-president. After the reading of the 
Declaration of Independence, by Mr. John Davidson, the Hon. 
Samuel Calvin, wdio had but two months previously ma,de his debut 
as a young lawyer, was introduced to the large assemblage, wdiich " ob- 
served much respectful order and attention," and delivered an oration 
which was well received and highly spoken of. In this oration Mr. 
Calvin took strong ground against the growing agitation of the 
slavery question, and denominated the Abolitionists as "self-styled 
philanthropists,^^ and predicted that a continuation of these discus- 
sions would eventually lead to Avar between the Xorth and South. 
After the good things had disap])(>ared, and evcn-ybody was feeling 
happy, the toasts were read. In those days toasts upon all festive 
occasions were indispensable. It will no doubt be interesting to 
many of the citizens of Hollidaysburg to give a few of them 
that an idea may be had of the feelings and sentiments of the lead- 
ing citizens of Hollidaysburg forty -four years ago. There were thir- 
teen "regular toasts," and perhaps fifty or sixty by the citizens. Of 
the regular toasts, we select: "The day we celebrate — Avorthy the 
commemoration of freeman." [Yankee Doodle ; three cheers.] "The 
memory of General George Washington." [Drank silent and stand- 
ing.] By the vice-president of the day : " Beaver Dam Branch, of 
the Juniata river at Hollidaysburg ; yesterday, a rill, too small to 
float an Indian canoe ; to-day, a lake covered with canal boats ; 



206 HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY. 

twenty rears hence, navigated with steam-boats ; go ahead, keep 
moving." By George R. McFarlane : "The memory of James Mad- 
ison: The hist of the band of sages, who reared the edifice of the 
Constitution ; having lived to see the work of his hands cemented by 
time, strengthened l)y the storms Avhich have beat against it, and 
bidding fair to immortality, he is sunk to rest, full of years and full 
of honors. 

'How sleeps the sage who sinks to rest, 
With all his country's wishes blest.' " 

By Joseph Baldridge: "The yearly return of the Fourth of July: 
May it always find mankind on an equality." By James Morehouse : 
"Allegheny Portage Railway: How magnificent an improvement 
compared with the serpentine pathway by which our forefathers 
wended their way over the rugged Allegheny." By C. McCormick: 
" May the people of Hollidaysburg never feel want, nor ever want 
feeling." By James Cooper : " The fair sex of Hollidaysburg : Long- 
may they continue what they are, a virtuous and intelligent class." 
By H. .Divine : "Pennsylvania improvements over the Alleghen}^ 
mountain, without incline planes, is only wanting to make them su- 
perior to any in the world, and show that nature has formed no bar- 
rier to American enterprise." By Jacob Snyder: "The declaration, 
of July, "76, and the Pennsylvania resolutions, passed by the legisla- 
ture at the extra session of 1836; the former declaring to the world 
that we are free and independent States; the latter sustaining, with 
the firmness of our fathers, the true principles on which the ITnioii 
of States shall be maintained." By W. G. Campbell: "Mr. Calvin, 
the orator of the day : May he live a hundred years, and every day 
like this." By L. H. Williams: "Henry Clay: May the evening of 
his life be as calm as the morning was glorious." By C. Lowe : 
"The ladies of Hollidaysburg and vicinity cannot be excelled for vir- 
tue, beauty and intelligence." By Wm. M. Lloyd: "Texas, like our 
forefathers, her sons are struggling for independence : may they be 
as successful, and convince tyrants that they cannot enchain the spirit 
of liberty." B}' the company: "Our Host and Hostess deserve the 
thanks of this company for the excellent fare and superior style of 
our dinner." 

"billy" DONALDSON'S TAVERN. 

A stone building stood in the diamond on the ground now occu- 
pied by the opera house. It was built early in the century, probably 
in 1808 or 1810. It was occupied in 1814 as a general store by 
John Swope, who came from Huntingdon. This property Avas pur- 



HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY. 207 

chased l)v William Ponaldson, who put an addition to it, and used it 
for a hotel. "IJilly" Donaldson's tavern beoanie very popular. The 
landlord was a famous character, and many amusing' anecdotes re- 
gardin,!-- him are still narrated. It was also a favorite Ijoardiug house, 
and numy young unmarried gentlemen, who subsequently became 
prominent leading- citizens of tlie town, some of whom are still liv- 
ing, boarded here, amongst whom uuiy ))e mentioned, Hon. Samuel 
Calvin, A. L. Holliday, Jacob Snyder, Caleb Chaml)ers, Henry 
Lloyd, (brother of Wm. M. Lloyd, of Altoona,) John Culbcrtson, 
and John Penu Jones. 

FRANKSTOWN IN THE LEAD. 

Bat up to the period of 1830-1 Frankstown was the metropolis of 
this region of country, and the locality of Hollidaysburg was only 
distinguished by a few houses scattered along the road. The post 
office was at Frankstown ; the churches were at Frankstown, or near 
there; the stores, with the heavy stocks of goods, w-ere at Franks- 
town, and if the ladies of fashion, the belles of that day, wished fine 
dress goods, and of stylish patterns, they must go to Frankstowai to 
purchase them. 

ADVANTAGEOUS SITUATION. 

Hollidayslnirg had its growth and liecame a town of importance 
from its situation lacing at the termini of the Pennsylvania canal and 
Allegheny Portage railroad. In 1831, when the act authorizing the 
construction of these public wairks became a law^, Hollidaysburg was 
but a small hamlet ; Frankstown, as before intimated, and Xewry 
were towns of far greater importance. It was generally conceded 
that wherever the "basin" or canal terminus would be located, a 
town would spring into existence which would be of considerable 
consequence, precisely as the location of the shops and principal 
offices of the Pennsylvania Railroad company created a large and 
prosperous town. The engineers in charge considered Frankstown 
as the natural point, and the "basin" was not only "staked off"" 
there, but its construction actually commenced, and on the strength 
of it Mr. Henrv Denlinger commenced the erection of a large three- 
storv brick hotel. Town lots went up rapidly, and for awhile the 
old town enjoyed quite a "boom." An effort was made to locate the 
"basin" on the farm of Jacob Wertz, now owned by Mr. George W. 
Rhodes, and an offer of ten thousand dollars, a good sum at that 
time, was made for the land ; but the old man refused to sell. Per- 
haps if Jacob had not proved so contrary and obstinate, HoUidays- 



208 HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY. 

burg- would never have had any other existence than a resting place 
for teamsters. The farm of Patrick McCloskey, where the reservoir 
was subsecjuently located, was also selected as the place for the canal 
"basin." The Wertz farm was the place designated l)y nature for its 
location, for near that point is the junction of two branches of the 
Juniata river, and with a proper dam, it is fair to presume that the 
large expenditure of money for the construction of the reservoir 
would never have become a. necessity. 

ENTERPRISE OF JOHN BLAIR. 

But John Blair, the same for whom the county was named, (and he 
was thus honored by his friends in Hollidaysburg for this very ac- 
tion,) was the leading politician in all this region. He represented 
the west end of Huntingdon county in the legislature, and was also 
possessed of a widely extended influence. It was he who agitated 
the building of the turnpike, and who first talked of the expediency 
of, and insisted upon, crossing the Allegheny mountains with a rail- 
road b\' means of incline planes. The proposition was at first re- 
garded as chimerical and visionary ; but he had taken the levels him- 
self, with a rudely constructed instrument made of birch bark, and he 
demonstrated from actual observation the feasibilit}' and practicability 
of the scheme. He was enterprising and progressive, and at the 
same time awake to his own interests. He was th(^ owner of hun- 
dreds of acres of coal lands on the Alleghenies, and he intended that 
these mineral lands should be developed. He was in the Legislature 
when the question of the "basin" was being discussed. He wanted 
it at Hollidaysburg. Huntingdon hooted at the idea of a canal 
"basin " being located in the mountains, and the Hon. John William- 
son, of Huntingdon, in illustration of his point, declared that the 
eyes of the boatmen would be blinded with the dust which would 
rise from the bottom of the "basin" located there. Subsequent 
events went far to prove that Mr. Williamson had a pretty clear com- 
prehension of the thinness of the water in this direction. But 
John Blair had set his heart on Hollidaysburg. He wanted a turn- 
pike and he got it; he wanted a railroad and he got it; and now he 
wanted the "basin" located at Hollidaysburg and it was done. If, 
at a later day, Hollidaysburg had possesed such an able and generous 
champion and friend as the Hon. John Blair, the city of Altoona, in 
Blair county, would never have been heard of. 



HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY. 209 

ARRIVAL OF TllK FIRST CANAL BOAT. 

The first canal boat arrived in llollidaysburg in the fall of 1833, 
and was named the "John Blair." The event was celebrated by a 
grand ball. No bnilding in the town was large enough to accommo- 
date the guests, and the music and dancing was adjourned to the 
large brick building in Frankstown, known as the "Denlingcr hotel." 
The work on the railroad was so far completed on the 26th of No- 
vember, 1833, as to permit the passage of the first car over its entire 
length. On the 18th of March, 1834, the road Avas opened as a pub- 
lic highway. The Canal and Portage Railroad Exchange, a new and 
spacious brick hotel, corner of Mulberry and Montgomery streets, 
was opened to the public April 1, 1834, and was kept by J. C. Wil- 
liams and R. M. Shaw. The United States hotel was l)uilt ))y John 
Dougherty, on the corner of Juniata and Wayne streets, a))oiit the 
year 1840. 

EDUCATION LOOKED AFTER. 

. Aljout 1834 the citizens of the town took great interest in educa- 
tion. The common school hiw had been enacted the year previous, 
and they were anxious to see it in operation. A large meeting — 
called then "a great meeting" — of the friends of e^ducation was held 
in the i)id)lic school house on the Dth day of September. Joseph 
Adams was president; John Lytle and Samuel Smith, vice-presidents, 
and John Brotherline and Isaac Yingling, secretaries. On motion of 
Jacob Snyder, esq., a committee of live persons was appointed for 
the pur})Ose of drafting a preamble and resolutions exi)re,ssive of the 
views of the meeting, and also to select six citizens to be nominated 
by the meeting as candidates for school directors. The chair ap- 
pointed Jacob Snyder, David Y. Hileman, John Davis, William Mc- 
Farland and Joseph Purse as that committee. The committee re- 
tired and prepared a lengthy preamble and resolutions, in which was 
set forth, in strong and effective language, the great advantage to bo 
derived from a good system for the public schools, and predicted the 
future greatness of the Commonwealth and the country if the law- 
would be in-operly and li])erally enforced. The candidates then nom- 
inated for tlui l)oard of school directors at that meeting were all 
elected, and it might l)e well to note here that this was the first board 
of school directors in Hollidaysburg and in this part of the county. 
The board comprised Robert McNamara, Suttle F. Henry, John 
Barr, Henry Stiffler, E. Giill)raith and James Smith, sr., of Scotch 
Vallev. 



210 HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY. 

BOROUGH OFFICERS. 

The town of Hollidaysburg was ore:anized into a borough, by or- 
der of the Court of Quarter Sessions of Huntingdon county, in the 
month of August, 1836, under the act of Assembly approved April 
1, 1835, and became sulyect also to the provisions of the act of As- 
sembly of April 3, 1851, by order of the Court of Quarter Sessions 
of Blair county, July 24, 1854. The first election for borough offi- 
cers was held on the 13th day of September, 1836, and the folloAving 
gentlemen were elected : Burgess, Dr. James Coffey ; town council, 
Joseph Reed, John Walker, William McFarland, D. Mitchell and S. 
F. Henry ; constable, Simon Brotherline. 

THEIR FIRST MEETING. 

The burgess and town council held their first meeting on Tues- 
day, September 20th, and made the following appointment of borough 
officers: town clerk, Alexander McCormick; (now a citizen of Al- 
toona ;) treasurer, James McCahan ; assessor, Peter Hewit, esq. ; 
assistant assessor, John Mitchell ; street commissioners. Col. 
Samuel Smith and John Dougherty; street regulators, James Craw- 
ford, esq., C. Garber, esq., and Col. John Bingham ; firemen, John 
Irwin, Samuel Frampton, esq., James Clossin and Abraham Brown; 
collector, James Clossin. 

The office of " street regulator " has been for years abolished. It 
was the duty of these officers to superintendent the grading of the 
streets. This was an important matter. Hollidaysburg had in it- 
many ugly "Avashes" and gullies; these had to be filled and hills cut 
down and a proper grade established. Allegheny street had in it a 
good sized gully or wash-out, which continued itself down through 
Avhat is noAV the lot of Moses Brown ; in some places it Avas eight or 
ten feet deep, and proportionately Avide at the top. 

HOAV MONEY AVAS PROVIDED. 

The borough had little or no money in the treasury, and the ques- 
tion of raising funds became an important one. All that AvasAvanted, 
or asked for, Avas fifteen hundred dollars, and Avith this modest sum 
the borough council, assisted by their honest board of regulators, pro- 
posed to accomplish the Avork. It was proposed that a loan be taken 
of the citizens, but the subject of issuing the bonds of the borough 
was not broached or, perhaps, thought of. The liberal minded citi- 
zen was iuA'ited to deposit a sum in the treasury, and as an evidence 
of this obligation a certificate AA^as given him, Avhich was to be used 



HISTORY OF xVLTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY. 21 1 

l)y him, or the hohU-r, in the i>;iynieiit of taxes. The ordinance was 
a(h)i)te(l ill June, I80T, and the eertifieate was in the followin,;:- lan- 
guaye : 

" HOLLIDAYSBUUG BOROUGH LOAN. 

" This is to cortify that there is due to bearer from the Burgess. Town Council 
and citizens of the Borough of Ilollldaysburg One Dollar, bearing an interest, re- 
deemable in the payment of taxes, by virtue of an ordinance passed by the Town 
Council, June 19, 1837. James Coffey, Burgess." 

These borough notes were printed on brown or yellow paper, and 
were called "shinplasters," and passed current Avith the merchants 
and dealers in the town and vicinity. It is said that some of the hon- 
est old farmers became indignant and disgusted when it was at- 
tempted to circulate this sort of money amongst them, but their dark 
visaged countenances brightened, and finally radiated with a broad 
grin, when it became evident that they wonld bring a pound of coffee, 
or a quart of whisky as quickly as the gold or silver. These " shin- 
plasters " must have been popular, for since the earliest recollections 
of the writer the streets of Hollidaysburg have been finely graded 
and well paved. 

RAILWAY FROM PHILADELPHIA TO PITTSBURG. 

As early as 1836 the feasibility of the construction of a contin- 
uous line of railway from Philadelphia to Pittsburg, and over the Al- 
leghenies without incline planes, was earnestly and enthusiastically 
discussed. Accordingly a large " Railroad Convention" was called 
to assemble at Hollidaysburg, on Tuesday the 24th day of January, 
1837. The convention was in session two days. It was composed 
of delegates from Westmoreland, Indiana, Cambria, Huntingdon, 
Mifflin and Juniata counties. The delegates from Huntingdon county 
Avere Gilbert L. Lloyd, Dr. J. H. Dorsey, John M. Owens, James 
Henderson, David McMurtrie, David Blair, G. W. Russ, William 
McFarlaud, Thomas B. Moore, Dr. H. Y. Bramwell, J. S. Weisling, 
Samuel Calvin, Maxwell Kinkead, Edward Bell, D. Buoy, W. R. 
Hampson, Peter Hewit, John Cresswell, Sr., A. P. Wilson, James 
A. McCahan, Samuel Royer, Henry Divine, J. Bingham, Dr. James 
Coff'ey, S. F. Henry, Anthony G. Stewart, Robert Dowry, A. Mc- 
Cormick, S. Frampton and Thomas J. Kennedy. 

A committee was appointed to prepare a memorial to the Legisla- 
ture and an address to the people of Pennsylvania. A. P. Wilson, 
Samuel Calvin and John Bingham were of this committee for Hun- 
tingdon county. Strong resolutions, favoring and predicting the 
great importance and utility of the project, were adopted. It was 
resolved that the convention was firmly and decidedly convinced 



212 



HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY. 




HOLLIDAYSBURG SEMINARY. 

A BOARDING SCHOOL FOR YOUNG LADIES. 

HOLLIDAYSBURG, PA. 

W. P. HUSSEY, A. M.. Principal. 



HISTOUV OF ALTOONA AND TtKAHl COINTY. 21.*] 

of tlu' itcrfect praclicalnlity of construct iiiii' !< cdiitiiiiioiis I'ailroad, 
without incline planes, tVoni llarrisluii-j>-, throug-h the \alley (dtlie 
Juniata, and aloiiii' the Blackliek, on the western side of the moun- 
tain, and i)assinu- thron^'h Westmoreland county to the waters of the 
Scwickly, You<iiu\i>-heny aud Monon.u-aiiela, to rittsljurii'; that the 
route })asses throujih the richest mineral region.- of the CtimuKUi- 
Avealth ; that Pennsyhania was anxious to secure the lar^c trade of 
the west bv the construction of oiu' coutiuuou.-. rnih'ojid on Ihesliort- 
est and best route, and passiii.u' directly throu^-h the middle of the 
Commonwealth; that this route was demanded by the im-reasing- 
trade which i)asses between the eastei'ii and western waters. A com- 
mittee on finance was appointed, consisting' of .lames A. McCahan, 
Peter Hewit and Dr. James Coffey, ^)efore adjourninu', a resolution 
Avas unanimously adopted returninu" the thanks of the convention to 
"the trustees of the Methodist Episcopal church, in lloUidaysburii-, 
for the polite manner in which they lune ,i;-i\en to the convention the 
use of their conunodious building-." 

NOTABLE STOKMS AND FLOODS. 

On llie mornin.u' of the 19th of Juiu", 1888, the town was visited 
by a terriljle storm and flood. The rain began to fall about midnig-ht, 
and continued, in unceasing torrents, until about six o'clock in the 
morning. The waters descended furiously in every direction from the 
high grounds, in immense columns, until all that portion of Gaysport 
lying between the railroad and the river wa*; covered witii a wild and 
almost irresistable flood. The Juniata had risen al)0ut fourteen feet 
above its ordinary level. The water in the dwellings near the river 
had risen as high as from four to five feet. This terril)le flood did 
mucdi damage to the canal between Hollidaysburg and Huntingdon, 
amounting to al)out half a million of dollars. Joseph Kemp, still 
a resident of Hollidaysburg, and Henry Lloyd, who died a few 
months ago in Pittsburg, were at the time connected with the I'ilot 
Line Transportation company, and being in Gaysi)ort during this event- 
ful night, endeavored to make their escape on a porch. The frail 
craft broke in pieces, and their fate was for a few moments in- 
tenselv critical. Their escape from drowning was miraculous. A 
woman, nanu'd Mrs. Barrick, and two young children, whilst 
attempting to escape, were drowned. The store house of Chambers 
& King was wrenched from its foundation and borne down the 
stream ; the building was crushed against the viaduct and the entire 
stock of u'oods lost. Their loss was estimated at SfyOOO. John 
U 



214 HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY. 

Bousloii.tih, a nu'iTlumt, lost much of his stock; also, John Ciill)ert- 
son lost merchandise and furniture ; John Keim, a g'rocer, lost almost 
his entire stock ; Peter Boyles lost a large new stable; John Barr 
had his furniture damag-ed and a line- library destroyed; the paint shop 
of Mr. E.i^bert was carried away; Mr. A. Ennis lost furniture, books 
and shinji'les; the Baltimore and Pittsburg line lost a new stable; 
Hewit & McComb lost several small houses; Mr. Samuel Sharrer lost 
consideralde material used in boat building; and Mr. Charles Hughes' 
brick \'ard and a large stock of brick were destroyed. 

The town was again visited with a terril)le and destructive freshet 
October 7, 1841. The rain began falling on the previous day, 
and bv three o'clock on Thursday afternoon the water was over the 
l)anks of the river and some 'three or four feet dee]) in the buildings 
nearest the stream in Gaysport. The store house of James R. Pat- 
ton, the barber sho]) of Snyder Carr, the office and store building of 
Justice Smith, Herrou's blacksmith shop,- tlic tailor shop of William 
Charlton, and a warehouse l)elonging to S. J. Royer & Co., were 
carried olV. Serious damage was done to the canal, and the farmers 
along the I'iver lost h(mvily. 

FORMATION OF HLAIR COUNTY. 

Perhaps no event in the history of the peo]de of Hollidaysburg 
was the subject of so much Intercast, and fraught with so much im- 
])ortance as the erection of the new county of Blair, to be composed 
of parts of Huntingdon *and Bedford counties. These counties op- 
posed the measure, in season and out of season, and did everything to 
thwart the wishes and purposes of the ambitious and spirited people 
of HolIida\sburg. Hut, notwithstanding, the leading citizens of the 
town and vicinity lal)orcd most earnestly and zealously for the ac- 
complishment of this great and laudable object. The division of the 
countv had Iteen agitated as early as 1839, a meeting for the consider- 
ation of this ])roject having been held in the Methodist church on the 
■21 st of January of that year. Christian Garber, a progressive and 
influential citizen of that day, was president of the meeting. Wil- 
liam Williams, I'eter Cassiday, Dr. James Coftey, P(;ter Hewit, John 
Walker, Samuel Calvin, es(p, and Edward McGraw, Avere appointed 
a committee to <leternune the proper bounderies for the new county 
proposed, and draft petitions, and have the same printed, and after 
procuring signers forward the same to the Legislature*. But their ef- 
forts were not crowned with success until February 2o, 184(i, when 
the bill erecting the new county was approved by Governor Shunk. 



HISTORY OF ALTOONA ANT) BLAIR COUNTY. 215 

The citizens of "old mother" niintiii.u-don were eonskleraljly exer- 
cised, and tlie peoph' of the new county were exiiltnnt. Ilollidays- 
hurg', of course, became the county-seat, tind the lirst sessions of 
court were held in the Methodist church. The connaissioners 
leased of John Mahony a one-story stone teiiemant house, which, 
after havinii: the windows covered witli iron bars, was used for a jail. 
"When a prisoner wanted to make his esca])e he would have Iiimself 
committed to the " dun,iicon," from ^\•hich he (-ould easily "bore" 
throu,<i-h the wall. 

MILITARY AFFAIRS. 

The Wasliington Greys, the first military company ever org-anizccl 
in Hollidaysburg, was the [>ride and boast of the town. It was or- 
ganized October 5, 1839. Maj. Wm. W. Williams was captain; I>r. 
J. A. Landis, lirst lieutenant, and Hon. George R. McFarlane, second 
lieutenant. The best citizens of the town were in the ranks and carried 
muskets. They were provided with uniforms, and the i)eople 
boasted that their's was one of the best drilled companies of the State. 
Hollidavsl)urg was jyleased and delighted with a military encamp- 
ment for the first time, during the week commencing on Monday, the 
ISth (lav of October, 1841. The companies in attendance, in addi- 
tion to the Washington Greys, were the Bedford Artillery, Captain 
lleamer; the Independent Greys of Bedford, Captain Arnold; Cam- 
))ria Guards, Captain William A. Smith; Williamsburg Light In- 
fantry, ("Captain McKiernan, and the Uni<m Cavalry, Cajjtain Bell. 
They were encamped on the l)eautifnl flat north of the town, known 
then, and for many years since, as the " Race Course." The field is 
now owned by Col. William Jack. Maj. William W. Williams, of 
the Washington <ireys was in command, ami Maj. Tallial'erro, of Bed- 
ford, second in comnumd. On Thursday the ladies gave a grand and 
sumptuous dinner to the richly uniformed troops. The table was 
spread in what was known as Market s(|uare, and extended from near 
Wayne street to Union, a distance of one hundred and sixty-five feet. 
It was loaded with all the delicacies the country aiforded. After the 
soldiers and the lai'ge concourse of citizens and strangers had par- 
taken to their hearts' co)itent of this l)Ounteous repast, " three times 
three hearty cheers were given to the ladies of Ilollidaysburg, fol- 
lowed by as many salutes, and appropriate music l»y th(," bands in at- 
tendance." The generous and noble c(uidui't of the ladies on this 
occasion was s])oken of in terms of the highest ])raise and commenda- 
tion. The troops were reviewed and inspected by Major AVasha- 
baugh and Gemn'al Compher, of Beclford. 



216 HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY. 

A o-raiid niilitarv eueampiiK'ut was held in the town, commeiichig- 
October 11, 1843. The affair seemed to absorb puljlic attention for 
the time bein.u'. Even the great and mighty questions involved in the 
political campaign then pending were forgotten, and the town, espe- 
ciallv the female i)()rtion of it, was i]i a whirlpool of excitement. 
Preparations were made on a grand scale for the entertainment of 
guests, and the following hotels were in readiness, and entertained to 
the entire satisfaction the large number of strangers that thronged 
the town for a week : The People's House, by William Donaldson ; 
American House, by J. M. Hewit ; Washington Hotel, l>y Captain 
Joseph Hammer ; Exchange, by D. H. Moore ; Juniata Hotel, by 
Col. J. R. Johnston; United States Hotel, by John Dougherty; 
Temperance Hotel, by Mrs. vStackpole, in CTaysi)ort ; Gaysport "Inn," 
by John Law; Perry Hotel, by William Barr, and the "Boarding 
House," by Gideon Marlett. The camp was located on the beautiful 
slope of the Jackson (now Smith) farm focing Hollidaysburg, and 
was named Camp Warren. Seventeen companies, and as many 
Imnds, were in attendance, wvW uniformed, fully equipped and profi- 
cient in drill and discipline. These were divided into two regiments, 
numljered the First and Second. Captain B. C. Hah> was elected 
colonel of the First regiment, and Captain William W. Williams, 'of 
the Greys, was made colonel of the Second, and A. L. Holliday 
was elected quarter-master of the brigade. Col. Williams was a gal- 
lant looking officer — military from crown to foot. The following 
companies were in camp : Union Cavalry, Captain Bell; Lewistown 
Artillery, Captain Porter; Washington Guards, Captain Michael 
Cresswell; Washington Infantry, Captain W. W. Porter; Mifflin- 
town (Uiards, Cu])tain S. Davis; Lewistown Guards, Captain II. 
Sims; Juniata Artillery, Captain D. M. Jamison; Centre Guards, 
Captain A. Gregg; Penii's Valley Cadets, Captain Lot W. Irvin ; 
Bellefonte Infantry, Captain J. Morrison ; Washington Greys, 
(Johnstown,) Captain J. Potts; Washington Greys, (Hollidaysburg,) 
First Lieutenant J. A. Landis; Bedford Artillery, Captain J. Reamer; 
Independent Greys, Captain S. M. Taylor; Montgomery Greys, 
Captain T. B. Wallace; Conemaugh Greys, Captain John Linton; 
Somerset Guards, Captain John R. Edie. 

On Sundav morning one regiment attended divine service at the 
Methodist Episcopal church, and the other attended at the Presby- 
terian church. In the afternoon the entire In-igade marched to the 
Presbyterian church, which A\as a large and spacious building, and 
listeiu'd to an excellent and api)ropriate discourse, by the Re^•. Dr. 



HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND P.LAlll COUNTY. 217 

]);ivi<l .McKiniii'v, iVom tlic text IoiiikI in Proverljs xtt : 2: "A .u'ood 
man oljlainclii favor of tlic Tionl; hut a man of wicked dcvi'-rs will 
lie condemn."' 

The (fOViM-nor of the Stat(\ Ihvvid II. Porter, was present, and ro- 
vieweil tlie troojts. This was r(\<|-ar(hMl as a first-class mililary dis- 
play ill (^very resp(>ct, and Hollidays1)ur<>- was etpial to the occasion. 

The comniencenient of hostilities with Mexico in 184G put a qui- 
etus on military orp^anizations in Hollidaysburg as well as in other 
localities in the State. Their presence was required at the front 
Althoutrh the Washington Greys did not go to Mexico as an organi- 
zation, many of the company volunteered and were found in the 
ranks of the Second Regiment, Pennsylvania A^)lunteers, where they 
accpiitted themselves in a manner characteristic of that military spirit 
of which they gave evidence in their holiday parades. It was not for 
some years after the close of the Mexican war that the martial spirit 
began again to be awakened. At one time the town boasted three 
fully equipped, well drilled companies ; these were the "Emmet 
Guards," the "Hollidaysburg Fencibles" and "Juniata Rifles." Pre- 
vious to these organizations, however, there existed for a brief period 
a plucky little company called the "Hollidaysburg Guards," which 
enjoyed, and was more commonly known by the sobriquet of the 
"Twelve Apostles." This company had a good band and a very 
becoming uniform. It was officered by George Bingham, captain ; 
"William Stone, first lieutenant, and W. F. McFarland, second lieu- 
tenant ; but it was with difficulty that its members could be induced 
to turn out on "muster day." The company had regular "muster 
days" and never failed to turn out on the 8th of January to celebrate 
General Jackson's victory at New Orleans. But muster they would, 
"at the risk of bullets," and frequently the entire column would con- 
sist of from twelve to fifteen muskets. Hence the name of "Twelve 
Apostles." They would march on the sidewalks. The writer was 
a child during the palmy days of this company, and he rememliers, 
that after hearing the music, and rushing to the front door, the com- 
pany would suddenly appear filing around the corner. Hence it is 
that the Mother Goose melody comes to mind simultaneously with 
the remembrance of this company : 

"Rubber dubbergoes tlie drum, 
See them 'round the comer come.'' 

The boys hardly ever followed this company. But, notwithstand- 
ing the slim attendance on parades, when called upon to do active 
duty in the service of the State, the ranks were filled up and the mem- 



218 HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIU COUNTY. 

bers turned out to a man. During- the building- of the tunnel in 1850- 
51, the Irish raised a little war among- themselves, which was of such 
magnitude that the Pennsylvania railroad company could not settle 
their dispute or cause a cessation of hostilities. The military had to 
be called upon, and the "Hollidaysburg Guards" responded promptly 
and forty rounds of ball cartridges were issued to each man. The 
knapsacks were supplied with necessary blankets and clothing, and 
live days' cooked rations filled the haversacks. They were in the 
field three days, and did not leave until the last infuriated connaught- 
man or orangemau had surrendered his shot gun and laid down his 
"shellaleh," and had returned to his allegiance and to the blasting of 
rocks in the tunnel. The company was under fire several times, and 
the battle of Bennington caused considerable sensation. The Guards 
captured thirty-thr<'e prisoners. Soon after this little experience, the 
noble and gallant little company ceased to have an existence. 

The "HollidaA'sburg Fencil)les'' were organized about the yeav 
1856, with Col. D. H. Hoffius as captain. Colonel Hottius was a dis- 
tinguished and highly respected lawyer, then enjoying a large and 
lucrative practice at the bar, and w-as besides one of Hollidaysburg's 
leading citizens. He had passed through the Mexican war, serving 
as a lieutenant, and was proud of his military record. The "Fenci- 
bles" were a good company and the citizens were proud of it. It 
Avas composed of some of the best young men in the comnumity. On 
one occasion the ladies of Holli'daysburg presented the company with 
a beautiful and very valuable silk flag. 

The "Juniata lliflos" were organized on the 22nd of October, 
1858, with our worthy townsman, A. M. Lloyd, as captain. This 
was also a first-class company and merited the praise and approba- 
tion of their fellow-citizens. They had their encampments and their 
festive days — their competitive drills, frolics and fun until the early 
spring of 1861. The American firmament was overhung by a black 
cloud ; the "cannon's opening- roar" was heard in the south ; the na- 
tion suddenly sprang to arms and the daj^s of "Sunday soldiering" 
were ended. The "Juniata Rifles" had resolved as early as the 22nd 
of February to accept the call of the Governor and be ready for ac- 
tive service at a moment's notice. The companies did respond 
promptly. The Governor's telegram was received on the evening 
of the loth of April, and they were in Harrisburg, mustered into the 
Ignited States' service and on their way to the front on the 20th. 
The "Fencibles" were officered by F. P. Minier, captnin ; (their 
brave and mucli lamented cai)tniii, Pavid H. Hoffius, having died in 



HISTORY OF ALTOONA ANT) V,L\\\l rOUNTV. 219 

July, 1859) John II. MeFarlane, first licutiMiaiit, and Tliumas McFar- 
lane, second lieutenant. ^Thoy were .uiven the post of honor in the 
Third Pennsylvania Reji-iment, having' been assigned as company 
"A". Immediately after the organization of the regiment, its captain, 
F. P. Minier, was elected colonel. 

The "Juniata Rifles" were oHicered by A. M. Lloyd, as captain ; 
Christ. N. Snyder, first lieutenant, and Stephen C. Potts, second lieu- 
tenant, and assigned as company "H" of the Second regiment. Nearly 
all the members composing these companies served in different or- 
ganizations to the end of the war. Lieutenant Potts was killed in 
the first battle of Fredericksburg, December L3th and 14th, 1868, 
whilst acting adjutant of his regiment, the Sixty-second Pennsylvania. 

After the close of the war, the enthusiasm for "the pride, pomp 
and circumstance of glorious war," had subsided ; the ))oys "didn't 
Avant any more of it in theirs," and the streets were not again enli- 
vened with the tread of men in martial array until the year 1874, when 
the "Juniata Riflemen," company "F", Fifth Regiment, National 
Guards of Pennsylvania, were organized. Jas. F. Milliken, ca))tain ; 
J. Rodgers, first lieutenant, and Martin Bell, jr., second lieutenant. It 
was mustered out of service in January, 187G. 

The military organization which is now the i)ride and boast of 
Hollidaysburg— company "C," Fifth Regiment N. G. of Pa.— dates 
its existence with the autumn of 18TS. . The company, like the entire 
corps of the National Guards, is equipped in a first-class manner and 
could take the field in compfete readiness for campaign duty in twelve 
hours' notice. T. Dallas Wilkins, a young gentleman perfectly famil- 
iar with military tactics and having the capacity, in a high degree, 
of drilling and disciplining men, is captain ; James P. Stewart is 
first lieutenant, and J. D. Hemphil, second lieutenant. The company 
is composed of the flower of the young gentlemen of Hollidaysburg, 
and, as manv of them are possessed of more than ordinary inielligence, 
it need scarcely be a surprise to any one, when informed, that at the 
last encampment at Braddocks, they were highly complimented for 
their proficiency in drill and for the excellent discipline observed by 
the men. Hollidaysburg could always boast of a good military or- 
ganization. Its first company, the old Washington Greys, received 
the plaudits and compliments of all for excellent marching and drill 
at the great encampment of 1843, and now company "C," its last 
company up to this date, received the plaudits and compliments of 
all for the same accomplishments at the great encam]>ment at Brad- 
docks in 188U. 



220 HISTORY OF AI.TOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY. 

VISIT OF KOSSUTH. 

That distiuguislu'd Hungarian, Louis Kossuth, and suite, visited 
Hollidaysburg on Saturday, January 17, 1852, and remained in 
the town over Sunday. He was welcomed at the Mountain House, 
at the Portage Intersection, which stood near what is now called"!"" 
switches, by four or five hundred citizens. He left the cars under the 
escort of Hon. George R. McFarlane, and he had scarcely reached 
th(> platform until the people began to press closely around him and 
Avelcome him in the most cordial manner. He was escorted to the 
dining hall by Mr. William Shomo, who was chairman of the commit- 
tee of arrangements. Some two hundred persons dined with him. 
After dinner, the doors were thrown open and all thronged in. Grov- 
ernor Kossuth was introduced by Col. D. H. Hoftius in one of his 
cliaracteristic and eloquent speech<»s. He tendered him, on behalf of 
his i'ellow-citizens, a hearty welcome and assurances of their warmest 
regard for him personally, and their deep sympathy for his betrayed 
and down-trodden country and their unalteral)le devotion to the cause 
of liberty. Governor Kossuth replied in an eloquent speech of over 
half an hour. Cheers Avere ])roposed, by ejudge McFarlane, for Kos- 
suth, the rightful Governor of Hungary, and l)y Dr. H. T. Cofl'ey, for 
"giving powder and ball to Russia." Thaddeus Banks, es(i[., on be- 
half of the committee to receive contriliutions of " material aid," 
presented to the governor a })urse containing over two hundred dol- 
lars in gold. Judge McFarlane offered to maki; for him fifty tons of 
cannon balls, and would deliver tliem whenever called upon. Whilst 
in town the Governor was the guest of Hon. George R. McFarlane. 
On Sunday, Kossuth and party attended (livine service in the 
Lutheran church, and heard a discourse by Rev. Lloyd Knight. 

DISCOVERY OF IRON ORE. 

In May, 1852, discoveries of iron ore were made on lands north 
of town. These ores were first discovered by Mr. Thorn, a citizen of 
the town, who owned some fields just beyond the borough limits. 
He commenced prospecting, and in a comparatively short time found 
the ore, and threw out al)out a ton. It proved to be fossil ore. This 
led to more pros})ecting by others interested in the neighlwrhood, and 
in a short time it was ascertained that the entire country between 
Hollidaysburg and Brush mountain was underlaid Avith a good 
<piality of fossil ore The surrounding hills l)eing filled Avith a, good 
(juality of lime stone, these; discoveries soon led to the building of 
two furnafM's, and soon after the buildinu' of a lar<i-e rolling mill and 



HISTORY OF Al/rOONA AND BLAIR COI'NTY. 221 

nail factorv. For a time coiisidcral)!!' cxcilriiuMit ijrovailcd, and the 
town seemed to take a new start. These mines have; l)ei"n worked at 
different points constantly ever since their first develoi)meiit— mil- 
lions of tons of ore, of .u'ood cjualily, have bi'eii tnkeii out and larg'e 
quanties shipped to Johnstown and other furnaces. The mines are 
still bein.i-- worked with profit, and many years will he reciuired to ex- 
haust them. At the present time the mines and furnaces arc dwiicd 
and ojx'rated by the Cambria Iron company. 

CONSTlilK'TION OF THE RESERVOIR. 

A meetinji- of the citizens, for the construction of a rj>servoir, was 
held in the town hall, March 6, 1839. At this meeting' resolutions 
were adopted and committees ajipointed, and the most determined 
steps were taken to push forward the measure. Robert Williams, 
Dr. James Coffey, G. R. McFarlane, John B. Rover, J. C. Betts, 
Peter Hewit and Joseph Kemp were appointinl on tlie most import- 
ant committee. The Leg-islatnrc was stirred up, the necessary 
money appropriated, and the next year the w(jrk was commenced and 
vigorously pros,ecut(>d. The contractors were John Mitchell and 
S. H. Lloyd. The firm of McFarlane & Garber furnished the iron. 
The w(.rk was completed by Henry L. Patterson, who subsecpiently 
took th(^ contract. 

FIRE APPARATUS AND FIRE COMPANIES. 

The first fire engine purchased by the 1)orough was during the fall 
of ISoC), soon after its organization, and cost two hundred and twenty- 
five dollars. It was a very, odd looking and singularly constructed 
machine, and proved of little service at a fire. In December, 1831, 
an attempt was made to organize a fire department and take steps to 
supply a want which was evidently felt — means to subdue a fire in 
case the borough, which was now a rapidly growing town, should 
be threatened Avith such a disaster. 

[An effort was at the same time made to form a joint stock com- 
pany for the i»urpose of supplying the borough with water. Joseph 
Crawford, es((., Hon. Josisph Adams, Rudolph Williams, David 
Mitchell and Rol)ert Williams were appointed a committee to procure 
from the Legislature an act of incorporation for said comi)any. In 
the fall of 18(')T, a little more than thirty years after this meeting, 
the fond dream of these public spirited citizens was realized, but not 
one of the aljove committee were present to witness it.] 

There was no regular fire organization until January 2G, 1838. 
The citizens then met at the United States hotel and a company was 



222 HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY. 

formed, and a determination evinced to procure a good engine. But 
the effort was abortive, and the company organized proved to be 
nothing more than a " bucket brigade." In the winter of 1841 the 
"Diamond Engine company" was organized, and this was really the 
first fire company in the borough. It was then determined to pro- 
cure two good fire engines. A \ote on the subject was had, and the 
tax-payers were largely favoraljle to the pro]X)sition. In September, 

1841, the "Juniata " arrived, and was placed in the hands of the 
firemen. But the Allegheny engine was not received until April 9, 

1842. In 1869 the borough authorities purchased of Mr. Button, 
the manufacturer of the Button engine, of Troy, New York, the fine 
steamer "Phoenix," at a cost of $2,500. It is in charge of a good 
company, composed of some of the best citizens of the town. It has 
done good service. In addition to the Pha?ni.\; organization, Holli- 
daysburg boasts of the Allegheny Hook and Ladder company, with a 
good truck, constructed on the modern plan ; the Good Will Hose 
company, with a first-class carriage, and also .a hose carriage man- 
aged by the Phcenix company. The fire organization is not only 
complete in all its details, but is a credit to the borSugh and those 
having the management of ])iiblic affairs. 

MARKET HOUSE. 

In July, 1S41, the ))orough authorities l)uilt a fine market house, 
on the Blair street front of what \\as then known as Market square. 
The building is still standing, and is used for the Hook and Ladder 
Truck and the Good Will Hose carriage.. Each butcher had his own 
stall, where he dealt out the choicest steaks; and the farmers for 
many years patronized this market, In'inging the products of their 
farms in front of the building and backing their wagons against the 
curb. The market was open on Wednesday and Saturday mornings 
of each week. Tlie hours were from about o until 8 or 9 A. M. Dur- 
ing these pleasant market times the "early l)ird caught the worm." 
Here, at the early blush of dawn, could ])e purchased the best of 
everything — vegetal)les and fruits in their season. 

HOLLIDAYSBURG IX 1842. 

Hollidaysburg, in January, 1842, is described by J. Penn Jones, 
esq., (at that time editor and proprietor of the "Register and En- 
quirer," and which is still ably conducted liy David Over, esq., to 
whom we are indebted for favors,) as follows: " Hollidaysburg is a 
great place! It is great in a great many respects — one of the great- 



HISTORY iW ALTOOXA AND HLAIR OdUNTV. 



2 -2 '5 



c'^t iHTliiips in the iiilcrior of tlic .urcat State of Poniisylvauia ! It is 
ji-reat as a business place; it is a .ureat [dace for fnn, and .uTeat for 

i^obriety and order ; .lireat for pretty .liirls, and li' 1 ones, too: (tiie 

assertion of the"' Willianisport Eniporiiiin ' to tin' contrary notwith- 
standing;) great for its liberality and enterprise; great for its rapid 
increase in population, wealth and improvement; great for its muddy 
streets in wet weather; great for its dusty ones in dry ; it's a great 
place for Washingtonians and Teatotallers; great for industrious 
men and thinking mechanics, and a great place for sleighing when the 
ground is frozen ! It's a good place to sell saddles of venison, and 
flour for buckwhi'at cakes, potatoes, chickens, ice cream, (in summer,) 
and patent medicines all the year round! But the greatest thing of 
all, is, it's a great place for taking newspapers — greater in this re- 
spect, than any other to\vn of the same population in the Avorld. 
'But enough said ' about our towni's greatness for the present. Not 
manv years ago it was little better than a wilderness. In 1830 it did 
not contain more than fifteen or twenty houses, and a population of 
150 or 200. Where Gaysport stands there was no sign of a town ! 
Swamps and thickets, in which ralilnts Inirro-wed and black birds 
built their nests, were then Avhere now^ are houses, gardens, streets, 
alleys and work-shops. 

"In 1842 the American House was kept as a temperance hotel by 
Ira Hoadly, and the liar-room was turned into a reading room. 

"The population of Hollidaysburg at the present time, ascoiTcctly 
taken by our borough assessor, Abraham Yantries, esq., is 2,368; 
Gaysport, 448; total, 2,816. Gaysport is an incorporated district, 
cut ofl'from Hollidaysburg proper, by a branch of the Juniata.'' 

GAS INTRODUCED 

In LSf)!') Hollidaysl)urg was lighted for the lirst time with gas. 
The Hollidaysburg Gas and Water company was incorporated by an 
act of Assembly, approved March 16; 1854, but wa-- not fully organ- 
ized for the purpose of manufacturing gas until April, 1856. No at- 
tempt was at that time made to introduce water. The cajiital of the 
company was $40,000. Sometime during the spring a contract was 
made with L. R. Titus, of Trenton, N. J , for the furnishing and 
laying of the pipes, and construction of the works at a cost of $30,- 
000. The first officers of the coini)any were Thomas C. McDowell, 
president; J. R. Crawford, secretary; and Thomas Bingham and 
William McFarland, directors. They held tlieir i)ositions until June, 
wlien an election was had and R. M. Lemon was elected president ; 



224 HISTORY OF ALTOONA and BLAIR COUNTY. 

R. B. Johnston, treasurer, and Thomas C. McDowell, secretary. 
The niana.u'ers were Jesse K. Crawford, Tlionias Bin.si'ham and Dr. 
Joseph A. Landis. The work was prosecuted with vig-or, and the 
town was l)roug-ht from darkness to light by means of a g-ood article 
of gas in the month of Octolx'r, 185G. 

WATER WORKS AND RESERVOIR. 

The Hollidfiysburg- water works were built l)y the borougii au- 
thorities. The act of Assembly authorizing- their construction was 
ajiproved March 16, 186(i. James Gardner, William Jack, James 
Condron, John L. Hemphill and Thaddeus Banks were the water 
commissioners. xVn article of agreement was made and entered into 
with John A. Woodward and T. B. Farrington, of Williamsport, Pa., 
to supply the water pipes. These pipes are of AAood, wrapped with 
iron by a machine invented for this express jnirpose, and coated with 
a com])osition of coal tnr and asphaltuni. The water is brought 
from a beautiful spring of free-stone water on the Brush mountain 
farm of the Hon. Thaddeus Banks. Its location is in a beautiful 
mountain dell, into which the rays of the sun seldom ])enetrate, and 
the pure, clear, cold water comes forth from the mountain side, leap- 
ing and rushing over large moss-covered boulders, and from the noise 
thus made it has received the appropriate name of "Roaring Run.'' 
The distance, along the line of pipes, from the borough limits to 
where the stream is tapped, is two and three-fourth miles. Hollidays- 
burg was truly hai)py when the pure Brush mountain water leaped 
from the hydrants for the first time, early in Xovember, 1S()T. The 
cost of these works was iibout S.30,()00. It must Ix- remembered 
that in 1866-'7 the cost of iron pi])es was from one-third to one-half 
more than the cost of wooden pipes. 

It was ascertained that the small well lirst used for the reception of 
the water was insufficient, and a reservoir was constructed of a ca- 
pacity of two and a half million gallons, at a cost of about $15,000. 
The elevation of the reservoir above Brush run is oiu' hundred and 
seventy-five feet, and above points in town frcun sixty to one hundred 
and twenty feet. The water works ar(> numaged and controlled by 
the l)tirgess and town council. 

I'RESP.YTERIAN CHURCH AND ITS PASTORS. 

The Presbyterian church, of Hollidaysburg was organized about 
the 5'^ear ITtS. The HoUidays were Presbyterians. The first preach- 
ing' that we have anv account of was at the house of Mr. William 



HISTORY OV AliTdONA AND I'.I.AIU COl'NTV. 225 

Hollidiiy, liy llic Wry. Dr. Kiiii;-, of M<'rc«.'i-sl)uv,<i\ Franklin county, 
in 1772. The Rev. Mr. Mcl)u,yal, Wrv. .lohn Johnson, llcv. 
Matthew Stevenson, and other ministers, ])reaciie(l here at diiTcrent 
times. But it was not until after the arrival of the Re\-. David 
Baird, or Bard, as he was called, came here that a church was fully 
oryani/.ed. A frail wooden structure, called a "tent," was erected 
at the Bhu' Sprinu' — now owned liy Archiltald McFadden — which 
was used as a place of worship. Thomas Blair, (the father of John 
Blair, for whom the county was mimed,) Thomas McCuneand James 
Smith, sr., were the lirst ruling- riders of this church. 

In 171)0 the "tent" was replaced by a house of worship, and was 
erected on the uTound whore the cemetery now is. It was built of 
round lous, and was used until 1818, when it cauii'lit fire from the 
burning' woods and was destroyed. A new and more eleyant struc- 
ture, built of hewn log's, immediately took its place, Avhich was occu- 
pied until the new brick church was erected in 18oC-7 on the corner 
of Walnut and Clarke streets, the same ground now occuiiied by tlu^ 
large and commodious building erected in 1869-70. 

Mr. Bard, whilst serving this congregation, also served the na- 
tion as a member of Congress. He was a member of the 4th and 
5th Congress, and of the 8th to the 13th, inclusive. In the 13th 
Congress, which commenced December, 1813, and had three sessions, 
Mr. Bard was a member of the committee on claims. 

Mr. Bard preached not alone to this congregation, but divided his 
time between this place, Williamsburg and Sinking Valley. He re- 
sided here most of his time; but at the time of his death, which oc- 
curred suddenly in Alexandria, ]*a., in March, 1815, his residence 
was in Sinking Valley, where he was buried. 

After the death of Rev. Bard, the church was without a regular 
minister until 181('), when Rev. Jann^ Galbraith, who had been 
preaching in Indiana county, became its settled pastor. He labored 
here, giving one-third of his time to the church in Williamsburg, un- 
til 1835. The same year, Mr. John Dunlap, a licentiate, came with 
a commission from the Board of Missions. His health being feeble 
he was never ordained. He went to Cincinnati in 1837 and assumed 
editorial charge, in connection with Rev. William D. Smith, of the 
" rresV)yterian of the West," published in that city. 

In 1838 the congregation called the Rev. William J. Gil)son. of 
Philadelpliia, who continued as their pastor until 1841. He removed 
to Darlington ; thence to Philadelphia; theiice to Jacksonville, ami 
theiu'C to Duncansville, this county, w lu're he now ministers. The 



22() HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLATR COUNTY. 

licv. Dr. David McKiniiey wa^i called to this cliavgo in 1841, and 
continued in the pastovate until 1852. He was one of the leading- 
spirits in the great temperance movement of 1844. He resigned the 
pastoral charge to take control of the "Presbyterian Banner," which 
he originated, and which is still ])ublished in Pittsburg. 

Between the years 1820 and 1841 Alexander Knox, Thomas B. 
Moore, John B. Kiddle, John G. McKee and John Lyttle were or- 
dained ruling elders of the cliurrh. During Dr. McKinney's pastor- 
ate Jonathan Hamilton, John McCartney, Joseph Smith, Charles 
Wilson, William C. McCormick and Samuel Moore were ordained 
ruling elders. 

The Rev. David X. Junkin, pastor of the F Street Presbyterian 
church, of Washington, D. C, having been called to the pastorate, 
(commenced his ministry on the 30th of October, 1853. During his 
pastorate James D. Rea, Joseph Dysart, Wm. R. Findley, M. D., 
Thomas Smith and Robert R. Hamilton were ordained ruling elders. 
In the spring of 1800, the health of Dr. Junkin becoming inijiaired, he 
was granted a leav(> of absence for six months. On the 11th of De- 
cend)er, of the same year, the pastoral relations between Dr. Junkin 
and the church were, at his own request, dissolved. The Rev. David 
Sterret su})})lied the pulpit until the first Sabbath in September, 1861. 

On the 4th day of August, 18(51, the Rev. David Henry Barron 
received a call to become the pastor of this church, and, it having- 
been accepted, he preached his first sermon as the pastor elect on the 
second Sabbath of September, 1801. On Tuesday, November 12, 
18fil, he was installed pastor of the cliurch, in which relation he still 
continues. 

In 1845 a number of families separated from this church and or- 
ganized as the church of Fast Freedom. It has since been changed 
to Duncansville. In 1852 the church of Altoona was organized out 
of the mem1)ers of this church. From that has sprung the Second 
church, of Altoona, and now both are large and flourishing. The 
])resent meml)ership of the Hollidaysburg church is 440. 

During the pastorate of Rev. Mr. Barron, four members of the 
session have died, viz: John B. Riddle, Charles Wilson, James D. 
Rea and Joseph Smith; two have removed from the bounds of the 
church, viz: Joseph Dysart and Rol)ert Riddle, who now reside in 
Altoona. Hon. Samuel S. Blair, Hon. A. S. Landis, Crawford Ir- 
win, M. D., and Robert Riddle have been ordained ruling elders. 
Three of these, Messrs. Blair, Landis and Irwin, with Messrs. 
Robert R. Hamilton, compose the present session. 



IlISTdUY OF ALTOONA AND HKAIll COUNTY. 227 

Tn tilt' siiimiHT of 1868 the con^-i'c.ii'iitioii resolved to build :i new 
cliureh sis the old sti'ucturo, wliieli li;id done i^-ood serviee, wns I)e- 
coiniiig- unsafe and had been time upon time condemned. Tlie w riLer 
distinctly remembers that during- some condemnatory remai'ks by the 
Rev. Dr. Junkin, his furious poundiui^' made tlie feathers or cotton (ly 
from the old pulpit cushion. Fortunately, that same ])nlpit was the 
most durable part of the church, and could have (uisily withstood tlx^ 
Doctor's most vig'orous pounding- for ag'cs. Tt was not, liowever, 
until the Deceml)er following that the abandonment of tlie old church 
l)uilding was fully determined uponf The congreg-ation then (Di;- 
eember 13) commenced worshii)])ing- in the court house, which they 
continued to occupy until the othof June, ISTO, wlien the chapel was 
ready for occupancy. 

On the 9th of September, 18r>'.l, the corner-stone of the new 
buildina' was laid. The stoiu' occupies a plac(> in the south-west 
corner of the wall. "First Prosl)yterian Church," is cut upon one 
side, and "Scjit. 1), 18(19,'' upon the other. The laying- of the stone 
was observed with appropriate ceremonies. The box (h'posited in 
the stone contained a sermon by Dr. W. J. Gibson and his ])hoto- 
g-raph ; sermon b}' Dr. David McKinney and hisi)hotog-raph ; sermon 
by Dr. D. X. Junkin and his photog-raph ; sermon by Kev. I). IT. 
Barron and his photograph ; histtnw of the church, I)v Hon. A. S. 
Landis; one copy of the Bilile ; Hymiuil and Coni'ession of Faitli; 
photograjih of the old church building; list of otTicers and members 
of the church; fractional currency; one copy each of the "Xew 
York World," "Xew York Tril)une," •' Presliyterian," "New York 
Observer," "Hollidaysl)urg Standard," and "Hollidaysburg Reg- 
ister ;" and sixty dollars in Continental currency. The first i)ublic 
service was held in the new church during the sessions of the Svnod 
of Harrisburg, wliich began on the 19th of October, 1811, but regu- 
lar Sabbath worship did not begin in the main room until Decemlier 
31, 1871. 

ST. MICHAEL'S ROMAN CATIIOIJC fill HCH. 

Among the early citizens of this town wen^ a number of Roman 
Catholics from different parts of Germany. They attended St. 
Mary's church here. Messrs. Josejjh and John Baroner, sr., tln^ 
Meintels, the Fuchs, Greneders, Lieb, W. Ranch, J. Zanker, J. Heil- 
meier, and others, finally numbering eighty families, established a 
German congregation, and built a new church of their o\\ n. 

The corner-stone of their church (St. Michael's) was laid on No- 
venil)er 27, 1862, and in less than a y<!ar the chur<'h was dedicated 



228 HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY. 

))y lit. Rev. Michael Doiiienee, Bishop of Pittsburii-, who also ap- 
pointed the first pastor in the person of Rev. George Kirelmer. The 
church is built in an elevated part of the town upon a fine plot of 
ground. It measures 15x43 feet. Its tower or steeple is 120 feet, 
and contains a ehinie of bells. In addition, the German Catholics 
possess a school-house and a temporary residence for their pastor. 

The pastor. Rev. G. Kirchner, labored hard among his flock ; he 
had many sore trials, hard work and at times insufficient rest. Yet 
he bore it pleasantly in his zeaHo promote the welfare of his people. 
He filled the position of pastor for nearly five years, after which he was 
transferred to Pittsburg. The second pastor was Rev. John B. 
Schmidt. Nothing particular was done during his pastorate, save the 
endeavor to promote the spiritual welfare of the congregation. 
Rev. J. Rosswog was his successor. He remained about nine 
months. His pastorate was attended by nothing noteworthy. The 
next pastor appointed was Rev. George Allman. He was born in 
Germany, but completed his studies and was ordained in this country. 
He was beloved here by all classes. The next pastor, was Rev. 
Julius Kuenzer. He also was l)orn in Germany. His literary abilities 
were of a high grade; a great scholar in Latin, unexcelled in profane 
and ecclesiastical history, and well posted in all theological matters. 
No changes were made during his pastorate of nearly four and a half 
years. From here he was transferred to Pine Creek, Allegheny 
county, Pa., where he is still in charge. The present pastor. Rev. 
Francis J. Kaib, came on December 1, 1878. He is a native of our 
country, born at Pittsburg, on February 24, 1850. Great improve- 
ments have been made up to date under his careful management. 

The old school-building has been superseded by a new and elegant 
one. Mrs. Barbara Zanker, wife of Joseph Zanker, an old citizen of 
this town, but now deceased, gave to the pastor, toward erecting the 
new school, $4,000. Work was commenced at the new building about 
April, 1879, and was finished for school purposes the following Octo- 
ber. The building is large and commodious, measuring 60 feet in 
depth, 26 feet in width and about 28 feet in heighth. Besides this im- 
provement, there now stands in the place of the old school building a 
neat brick dwelling for the good teachers, the Sisters. It is 21 feet 
front and 33 feet deep and two stories high, and complete in its ar- 
rangements. The Sisters have brought the school to a high grade, 
teaching in both languages — German and English — reading, spelling, 
writing, grammar, arithmetic, geography, Bible history and catechism, 
to an average of ninety to one hundred children. 



HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND HI, AIR COUNTY. 229 

Thus tln' coiigTOgation has ))r<)s]»('rc(l under tlic ]»resont pastor. 
He is a young- and active man, and is c-onsidered an al>lo speaker in 
both tlie German and English hmgnages. Since his advent he has 
g-ained tiie friendship and respect of ail classes without exception, and 
all guod wishes attend his ministry auioug the citizens. Thus, 
through his earnest endeavors and hard lahor, llev. Francis .1. Kaib 
has raised St. Michael's congregation to such a state that it may )»e 
justly considered one of the best in the Cath(tlic diocese of ritt.sburg. 
1862 and 1880 — what a change during this lime! 

LUTHERAN CHURCH. 

It is with difficulty that a complete history of the Lutheran church 
■can at this day be written. Its early records were loosely kept 
and th(i original members are either now members of the church in 
heaven or have removed to other States. In Frankstown, about the 
year 1824, the First Lutheran church of Hollidaysburg was organ- 
ized with Rev. G. A. Reichart as pastor, who served until 1830. 
Rev. Smick filled the pulpit for several years. The old church build- 
ing is still standing. It was built and finished inside like all other 
church edifices in those days — galleries around the three sides, a pul- 
pit high in the air, reached by winding stairs, and high back pews. 
Rev. Jacob Martin became the pastor in 1832, and with his advent 
the church began to increase in numbers and prosperity. His pas- 
torate continued, with the exception of several years, until 1849. In 
1840, the church was without a pastor. In 1846 Rev. Peter Anstadt 
minist-ered to the congregation. In 1837, the congregation — many 
having now settled in Hollidaysburg — contemplated a removal. Mr. 
Christian Garber, accordingly donated to the church a piece of ground 
on the hill where the cemetery now is, and in the spring of 1838, 
ground was broken for a new church edifice. Henry L. Patterson, 
Jacob Brumbaugh and John R. Martin composed the building com- 
mittee. The ceremony of laying the corner stone was performed on 
Saturday, May 14, 1838. The exercises were held in the then new 
Presbyterian church. Rev. Benjamin Kurtz, of Baltimore, Md., and 
Rev. Gibson, of Bedford, assisted in the devotional services. In a 
few years, additional ground was purchased, and used as a cemetery. 
This building did good service, and w^as, in its day, a comfortable 
church. The basement of the church was used for a short time by 
the public school. During Rev. Martin's pastorate, there were re- 
ceived into the church 466 members and he baptized 320 children. 
In 1849, Rev. Llovd Knight was called to l^e the pastor, and he 
15 



230 HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY. 

Herved the congregation until 1862. During his pastorate, the new- 
church, on the corner of Allegheny and Union streets, was built and' 
the old church taken down. The corner stone of the new church was 
laid in June, 1853, amidst imposing ceremonies. Many articles of 
interest were deposited, and it is to be regretted that a description of 
them cannot be given. Rev. Daniel Schindler became the pastor in 
18G2 and served for three years. He was an eloquent preacher and 
a good man, but there was no notable prosperity during his pastor- 
ate.' He succeeded in procuring for the church an elegant pipe organ 
which cost six hundred dollars. Rev. Charles L. Ehrenfeld became 
the pastor during the summer of 1865, and served the congregation 
acceptably for five years. He was succeeded by the present pastor, 
Rev. D. L. Ryder, who preached his first sermon as the regular min- 
ister, in the month of January, 1812. During his ministry the 
church edifice and parsonage have been remodeled and greatly im- 
proved. The church is now very neat and comfortable. The walls 
are handsomely frescoed; 1)eautifiil stained gkss adorn the windows 
and the floor is covered with a handsome carpet. The present mem- 
bership is three hundred and fifty, and the Sabbath-school numbers- 
some two hundred scholars. 

BAPTIST CHURCH. 

The Baptist church of Hollidaysburg sprung from the church at 
Williamsburg, which was admitted into the Juniata Baptist Associ- 
ation in 1829. Ten members of that church had their residence in 
Hollidaysburg, and when it was determined that the canal basin 
should be located there, and it became evident that the village of Hol- 
lidaysburg was destined to become a large and prosperous town^ 
these ten memliers deemed it expedient and proper for them to organ- 
, ize a church of their own. Accordingly, in August, 1833, they ob- 
tained letters of dismission from the Williamsburg church. On No- 
vember n, following, a council of the association, which had been 
previously called, met in the public school building on Walnut street,, 
(the old school building which was torn down some years since), and 
then and there the Baptist church of Hollidaysburg was organized. 
Rev. David Williams, pastor of the Williamsburg church, was called 
and became the first pastor. Sutliff" F. Henry and Joshua William- 
son were elected deacons of the new organization. But it was not 
until 1836 that the congregation felt themselves able to build a church 
edifice. Although this small nucleus soon grew in numbers and in- 
fluence, their limited means would allow of th£ erection of but a 



HISTORY OF ALTOONA AN]) ULAIll COUNTY. 231 

small brick buildin,!;-, wliich was built on the corner of WaliuiL and 
Union streets, the site of the present church. Rev. Williams contin- 
ued to serve the church for several years. Rev. Thomas K. Thomas 
was the pastor for six months during the year 1837. Rev. John P. 
Rockafellar, an able and earnest divine, very zealous in the cause of 
Christ, w^as called to the pastorate in 1837. He continued to labor 
among- the people, witnessing, in many instances, rich returns for 
his labors, up to the time of his death, which occurred in 1849, ex- 
cept an interval of three years. He died young, and his early depart- 
ure was much regretted. Rev. Rockafellar had many warm and 
true friends. During his ministry, the little brick church was dis- 
covered to be too small for the accommodation of the rapidly increas- 
ing congregation, and in 184(5 the neat edifice now used by the church 
was built. In 1874 it was remodeled, and the auditorium has l)een 
made very comfortable and attractive. During the interval of three 
years, before alluded to, the pulpit was filled by Rev. Dr. A K. Bell, 
and Rev. Henry Wescott. In 1848 the congregation extended a call 
to Rev. D. J. Yerkes, who continued in the pastorate until 1857. 
Rev. Yerkes was a brilliant preacher, a good pastor and very suc- 
cessful. He was succeeded by Rev. A. H. Taylor, who continued in 
charge until 1862. Rev. C. S. Stineman was the pastor for one year. 
In 1864 Rev. Dr. William Sbadrack became the pastor, and contin- 
ued, greatly admired and respected by all his congregation, until 
1868, when Rev. E. C. Clapp was called and served for two years. 
He was regularly installed pastor in August, 1867, and served his 
people faithfully until October, 186!). In the spring of 1870 Rev. H. 
F. King, the present pastor, received a call, which was accepted, and 
took charge of the congregation during the month of April of that 
year. Rev. King is very acceptable to the people as a pastor. His 
heart is in his w'ork, and there is no (juestion of his future success. 
He is a^^oung, earnest and arduous worker in the cause of his Master. 
The Sabbath-school attached to the church is large and in a flour- 
ishing condition. M. H. Baldridge, is its superintendent. A. M. 
Lloyd takes an active interest and has charge of the Bible class — 
called the "Judson Bible Class." 

HOLLIDAYSBURCJ SEMINARY FOR YOUNli LADIES. 

On page 25 reference is made to this institution of learning, which 
originated from a desire for higher education for young ladies. The 
building is stone, four stories from the foundation, frontage one hun- 
dred and fifty feet, and depth one hundred and sixty feet. It con- 



232 HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY. 

tains, in addition to a larg-e and commodious school hall, a laboratory, 
recitation, reading, music and art rooms, besides apartments for the 
principal and h\^ family, and dormitories for boarding pupils. The 
building contains all the modern conveniences. The location of the 
Seminary, on an elevated campus, the grounds embracing four or five 
acres, is a beautiful one, commanding a fine view in every direction. 
In point of healthfuluess the location is unexcelled. While, in no 
sense, sectarian, the school is, in the best sense, moral and Christian. 
The work is thorough, broad and liberal, in recognition of the fact 
that the sphere of woman's activity and usefulness is constantly wi- 
dening. [See engraving on page 212.] 

THE GREAT FIRE IN HOLLIDAYSBURG. 

About four o'clock, p. m., on the 14th day of April, 1880, a fire 
■originated, evidently the work of an incendiary, in an unoccupied 
barn, formerly used as a livery stable by Charles He wit, located on 
Wayne street, between Allegheny and Mulberry streets. The Phoe- 
nix Steam Fire Engine company, Allegheny Hook and Ladder company 
and the G(^od Will hose company promptly responded to an alarm 
given by the whistle of furnace number one. The wind, however, 
spread the flames over adjoining frame structures, and in a short time 
two blocks were on fire, rendering the efforts of the fire department 
to subdue the flames entirely unavailing. A telegram for aid was 
transmitted to Chief Engineer Rose, of Altoona. Promptly the 
Vigilant company with their apparatus, embarked on a special train, 
consisting of an engine and truck, and the run was made (seven 
miles) in eleven minutes. The Vigilant was followed by the Em- 
pire Hook and Ladder company, who drove to Holiidaysburg, over a 
rough road, in forty minutes. By this time the fire was under con- 
trol. Its progress was stopped by the firemen confining their atten- 
tion to preventing its further spread. 

After the fire .there remained but one stable, occupied by James 
€ondron, on the two squares ravaged by the flames. The buildings 
-destroyed were the double cottage house owned by the Rollins broth- 
ers ; green house, photogragh gallery and dwelling of Frank Proctor ; 
the large brick house on the corner of Allegheny and Penn streets, 
owned by Dr. C. Irwin and occupied by Dr. D. S. Hays ; also two 
frame houses adjoining, owned by Dr. Irwin, and a brick house owned 
by W^m. Thomas, of Altoona, and a small house owned and occupied 
by the widow Lewis; also stables of A. L. HoUiday, J. Berckheimer, 
Samuel McFadden, Hon. Thad. Banks, Samuel Milliken, William 



HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY. 233 

Williams, A. F. Ostcrloh, William Gardner, James Patton, Mrs. 
Reynolds, Col. J. A. Lemon, G. I. Davis, J. M. Kinports, C. G. 
Lovvry, McFarlane heirs, the stables on the Dr. Irwin lots and the 
William Thomas lot, and two others. A ]ari,''e number of unt houses, 
sheds, g-rape arbors, etc., were either broken, burned or damajj^ed. 

While the fire was in progress the roof of the re.>^idenee of Judge 
Dean, and also on that of Hon. R. A. McMurtrie, caught fire from 
flying sparks, but were extinguished before serious damage resulted. 
Several other buildings caught fire from sparks and blazing shingles 
carried by the wind, among which were the residences of Dr. W. C. 
Roller, Mrs. Charlotte Irvine, Hon. S. S. Blair, and the stable of 
David Over, which sustained but little or no damage. 

The losses an)ounted to about twenty thousand dollars, upon 
which there was aliout ten thousand dollars of insurance. 

BLAIR COUNTY MEDICAL SOCIETY. 

From Rowan Clarke, M. D., of Bellwood, we obtained a short 
and concise history of the Blair County Medical Society. A prelim- 
inary meeting was held in Hollidaysburg, July 25, 1848, in pursu- 
ance to a notice which appeared in the Hollida}' sburg papers, signed 
by James Coffey, M. D.; J. A. Landis, M. D.; A. Rodrigue, M. D.; 
Robert W. Christy, M. D., and Harry T. Coffey, M. D. In addition 
to the gentlemen just named, Wm. R. Findley, M. D., at that time 
of Frankstown, and John Getty, M. D., of Martinsburg, were present. 
Dr. John Getty presiding, and Dr. H. T. Coffey, acting as secretary. 
Drs. J. A. Landis, Wm. R. Findley and H. T. Coff'ey were appointed 
a committee to draft a con.stitution and by-laws. On the 16th No- 
vember, 1848, an adjourned meeting was held at the E.xchange hotel, 
Hollidaysburg, which was composed of the gentlemen just named. 
A constitution and bj^-law's were adopted and signed by those pres- 
ent. The following officers were elected : President, James Coffey, 
M. D., Hollidaysburg ; vice presidents, John Getty, M. D., Martins- 
burg, and John D. Ross, M. D., of Williamsburg; corr<>sponding 
secretary, Harry T. Coffey, M. D., Hollidaysburg; treasurer, Rob- 
ert W. Christy, M. D., Hollidaysburg. The next meeting (the first 
regular meeting) was held on December 2(5, 1848, in tiie office of Dr. 
R. W. Christy in Hollidaysburg. 

The constitution described the object of the society to be the ad- 
vancement of medical knowledge, and to sustain and elevate the med- 
ical profession, to protect the interests of its members, to extend the 
bounds of medical science, and to promote all measures calculated to 



234 HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY. 

relievo sulfering, to improve the health and to protect the live;> of the 
community. Article 3, section l,sa_y8: "Xo one shall be admitted 
as a member unless he is a graduate in medicine of some respectable 
school ; or, has a license to practice from some board recognized by 
the State Medical Society ; or, has lieen a practitioner of medicine 
for at least fifteen years, and who is in good moral standing in the 
place where he resides." The balance of the constitution and b3"-laws 
is for the government and discipline of its members, and has been but 
slightly amended since its adoption. The society is also governed by 
the code of ethics of the "American Medical Association," an admira- 
able code in every respect. 

Twentv-seven names arc on the roll at the present time, onh' one 
of the original mend)ers. Dr. John D. Ross, of Martinsburg, being 
among the number. 

The officers for the present year are as follows: President, G. E. 
Brehman ; vice presidents, C. H. Clossin, and R. W. Christy ; sec- 
retary, Rowan Clarke; treasurer, John D. Ross. 

CONCLUSION. 

The first postmaster of HoUidaysburg was William Holliday. 
He was postmaster in 1779, and it is probable was commissioned by 
the Supreme Executive Council of the State. He and several others 
addressed a petition to the Council, to whieh be signed his name as 
postmaster, on the 29th of May, 1779. John Holliday was postmaster 
during the administrations of Madison and Monroe, and probably 
John Quincy Adams. Peter Hevvit served during the first part of 
Jackson's administration. He was followed by Samuel Moore. 
Wm. McFarland was appointed by Yan Buren ; Dr. James Coffey, 
by President Harrison ; John Gorley, under James K. Polk ; the 
Rev. J. P. Rockafellar, under President Taylor. Rev. Rockafellar's 
health becoming poor he was unable to discharge the duties and was 
succeeded by Joseph Baldrige. Col Wm. G. Murray was CQmmis- 
sioiied by Franklin Pierce in 1853, and was continued during the ad- 
ministration of James Buchanan. James Bingham was appointed 
by Abraham Lincoln in ISGl, and continued in the office until 1869 
or 1870, when John Lingafelt was commissioned by U. S. Grant, and 
continued to discharge the duties in a very acceptable manner up to 
the time of his death, in the spring of 1879. His son, James M. Lin- 
gafelt, succeeded to the office, and is the present incumbent. 

Three of Hollidaysbui'g's citizens served in the supreme council 
of the nation. David Bard served as a member of Cont^ress from 



HISTORY OF Ar/rOONA AND HLAIR COUNTY. 235 

March 4, 1797, to March 4, ISOI, (hiring- the Fourth and Fif'tii Con- 
g-resses, and aiiain from Marcli 4, 1808, to March 4, 1815; or, from 
the Eighth to the Thirteenth Congresses inchisive. He died suddenly 
■on his return from Washington, at Alexandria, on March 12, 1815. 
He was, as stated in another place, a Presbyterian minister, and u\) 
to within a short time of his death, a citizen of the borough and 
owned the lot now occupied by John Wighaman, on Allegheny 
■street. At the time of his death he resided in Sinking Valley. The 
Hon. Samuel Calvin represented this district in the Thirteenth Con- 
gress, and the Hon. Samuel S. Blair was its representative in the 
"Thirty-sixth and Thirty-seventh Congresses. 

The Hon. Hiram Price, who is a member of the present congress 
from the Second Iowa district, was at one time an active and lead- 
ing citizen of the borough. General Henry H. Bingham, present 
member of the First district of this State spent his boyhood days in 
Hollidaysburg, and his father, Mr. James Bingham, is still an hon- 
ored citizen. Hon. Ed. Belch, now a prominent lawyer in Missouri, 
and who served prominently for some years in the state senate, was 
a citizen ; he studied law in the office of Col. I). H. Hoffius, and hung 
out his first shingle in Hollidaysburg. Hon. Geo. W. Martin, now 
a prominent citizen of Kansas, and for many years the State printer, 
looks upon Hollidaysburg as his old stamping ground, and recalls 
with pleasure the many pleasant days he spent at his first home. 
Robert Lowry, now a prominent citizen of Davenport, Iowa, was 
once a leading citizen, and at one time proprietor of the "American 
House." Many others could be named who have gone out and be- 
x?ome prominent members of society elsewhere, but the brief space 
allowed for this narration, prevents it. 

Among the leading citizens may be mentioned the Hon. Geo. R. 
McFarlane. He was fast rising in prominence, when his sudden and 
untimely death, in September, 1852, cut short a career which bid fair 
to be one of high rank in the nation. He was not only a leading cit- 
izen of the community, but was a leading and influential spirit in the 
Democratic party, and through it, was, at the time of his death, on 
the line of promotion to the gubernatorial chair. Hon. S. S. Blair, 
a leading citizen, is a distinguished lawyer, standing in the front rank 
of the, Pennsylvania bar, and perhaps the most successful in this sec- 
tion of the State. By many of his friends it is thought only a ques- 
tion of time when he shall take his place on the Supreme Bench, 
Hon. Samuel Calvin bas been an active citizen for forty-four years, 
and has done much to advance the interests and prumote the welfare 



236 HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY. 

of the borough. He held a distinguished place in the old Whig and 
the Republican parties, and his name was brought forward in several 
of the State conventions for Governor, and would, perhaps, have suc- 
ceeded in securing a nomination, had he not peremptorily declined 
being a candidate. Rabin Wallace, the father of Hon. William A. 
Wallace, was for many years a citizen and a member of the Blair 
county bar. Hon. Thad. Banks has been for forty years a leading 
lawyer and distinguished citizen, and has always taken an interest in 
all matters and movements calculated to promote the welfare of the 
borough. Hon. John Dean, for many years an active and enterpris- 
ing citizen, has, through his own untiring exertions, attained promi. 
nence as a lawyer, and since his elevation to the bench has given 
perfect satisfaction to the people of the Twenty-fourth district, and 
Hollidaysburg is proud of his legal attainments and his clear and im- 
partial rulings and legal opinions. Hon. A. S. Landis, a lawyer rap- 
idly rising in prominence, was a distinguished member of the late 
constitutional convention. Hon. B, L. Hewitt, also a prominent 
member of the bar, has represented the people of the county in the 
Legislature for a number of years, and he bids fair to distinguish him- 
self in other and more promineut fields of usefulness. Hon. John A. 
Lemon, who represented this district, for a number of years, in the 
State Senate, is now the candidate on the Republican ticket for Audi- 
tor General of the State. He has always been a prominent and use- 
ful citizen, and the people are proud of his advnncement. Hon. John 
Cresswell, jr., has been a resident and a leading citizen for many 
years, and at one period of his life, a leader of the Democracy in this 
Senatorial district. He represented the district with honor and dig- 
nity in the State Senate, over which body he presided as Speaker. 
He was the first Blair county man to occupy the Speaker's chair. 
Mr. Cresswell is also a lawyer of learning and ability. 

Hollidaysburg may be an old town and not a big town for its 
age, but it can truthfully boast of a large number of good and prom- 
inent citizens at home and abroad. There are few prettier towns or 
more healthful localities. Its streets are well shaded and there are 
few streets that can excel Allegheny for beauty. The town is lacking 
in but one thing, and that is a large, first-class hotel. It could be 
made, on account of the pureness of its atmosphere, and beauty of its 
surrounding scenery, a very desirable summer resort. It is to be 
hoped that the day is not far distant, when this much needed want 
will be supplied. 



IIISTdllY OF ALTOONA AND 15LA1R COUNTY. 



TYRONE BOROUGH. 



^37 



To J. D. Hicks, esq., of Tyrone, a prominent nicml)er of the bar 
of Blair county, we are indebted for the liistorical reminiscences con- 
tained in the following-: 

"Tyrone* City," so called in its earliest day by its original pro- 
prietors, is one of the comparatively new towns in the central part of 
the State, and is, in nearly every respect, what may be called a "rail- 
road town," owing, as it does, its prosperity to the Pennsylvania 
railroad and its branches. 

FIRST BUILDIN(4S ERECTED. 

It was originally laid out by Messrs. Lyon, Shorb & Co., an old 
and much respected iron firm, that, until a few years since, carried on 
extensive iron-works in different parts of the State. John T. 
Mathias, at the present day a venerable and highly respected citizen 
of the town, in 1850, assisted in planning the streets and laying out 
the lots. He was then the superintendent of what was known as 
Tyrone Forges. Hon. Jacob Burley built the first house and moved 
into it in November, 1850, and Rev. John I). Stewart and Mr. Bur- 
ley started business together in the building first then completed, ad- 
joining, or in close proximity to the same ground now occupied by the 
City hotel. In 1852 the Central hotel was erected by Joshua Burley, 
and in 1853 Messrs. Edwin L. Study, Pius Sneeringer and Samuel 
Berlin, on their way to the far west from Adams county, were in- 
duced to interrupt their journey and look at the new town. They 
were so favoral)ly impressed that they |)archased lots and ever after- 
wards identified themselves with the growth and prosperity of Ty- 
rone. Mr. Study died about a year ago, after being widely and favor- 
ably known over the entire State as an active and honorable business 
man. He was president of the Blair County Banking company at 
the time of his decease. Mr. Berlin commenced in the drug business, 
in which he is still engaged. Mr. Sneeringer started in general mer- 
chandising and retired but a year or two since. In 1852 the first 
school-house and the Methodist E. church were added to the many 
new buildings previously erected, and in the following year the Pres- 
byterian and United Brethren churches were built. 

♦Commencing its career as a town in 1849, Tyrone was created a borough in 
ia57 ; Kast Tyrone in 1873. The name was derived from tlie Tyrone Iron works,, 
about one mile east of Tyrone. 



238 



HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY. 



RAILROAD FACILITIES. 

The railroad facilities of Tyrone are second to no town of like 
population in the State, and the early completion of the Tyrone and 
Lewisburg" railroad (soon to be effected) makes Tyrone in reality 
a railroad centre and a point which will be sought after by persons 
whose inclinations and means would lead them into the manufactur- 
ing business. 

Through the courtesy of Capt. C. S. W. Jones, editor of the 
■"Herald," we are able to present a diagram of Tyrone: 




IllSTORV OF AI/roONA AND 15LA111 COUNTY. 239 

TYHOXK AND ri,EAIUMM> l!.\ I l.l'.oAD. 

Ill IS.").-; the IJcllcfontc Plank fond was completed, and in ISof) 
the Tyron(> and Clearlield railroad was ('(.nimenced, l»y David J. 
PruntT, but owing' to some diHiculties the road was in an ineomitletc 
condition until ISHO, when the Pennsylvania railroad took chai-ii-e of 
it and soon laid the rails over what is said to l)e the steepest .uradient 
in the State, and Clearfield county poured its coal and Uuuher into 
the already Hourishin.u' l»orou,ti-h. 

NEW DIVISION OF I'KNNSVliVANl A RAIIJIOAD. 

In 1802 the Bald Eagle Valley railroad superseded the old plank 
road, and a new division of the Pennsylvania railroad was orp-anized 
with Mr. Samuel G. Black as superintendent, and D, D. Wood, a 
well-known and tried railroad man, as train-master. From this tinu' 
the town grew rai)idly. 

SUPERINTENDENTS AND CLERKS. 

Superintendent Black was succeeded by James Lewis, a brother 
of Enoch Lewis, purchasing agent, P. R. R., and, in turn, was suc- 
ceeded by George C. Wilkins. Mr. Wilkins became much interested 
in the g-rowth of Tyrone and did much towards its improvement. 
In 18(7 Mr. Wilkins was succeeded by S. S. Blair, th(> present effi- 
cient and gentlemanly officer. The first chief clerk of the road was 
M. H. Taylor, son of the late Judge Taylor. In 1867 Mr. Taylor 
was succeeded !)>■ Josiah D. Hicks, residing in Tyrone. He removed 
to Altoona in 18()8, and Avas succeeded by Thomas. J. Maitland, who 
was afterwards promoted to the general superintendent's office in Al- 
toona. R. H. Powell succeeded Mr. Maitland, and upon the acces- 
sion of*Mr. Blair to the superintendency Mr. Powell was succeeded 
by John H. Riley. 

SHOPS OF PENNSYLVANIA RAILROAD. 

The Pennsylvania railroad, as early as 18(58, established shops for 
repairs in this i)lace, which, for a nuuil)er of years were under the 
management of Andrew Yauclain, sr., ih»w of Altoona. He was 
succeeded by William H. Jackson, at present also a resident of the 
"Mountain City." Mr. Jackson was succeeded by William H. 
Carothers, who is, to-day, the same genial fellow he used to ))e when 
chief director of the Good Will Fire company of Altoona, in its 
earlv historv. These shops, from small beginnings, have grown to 
be extensive, in which are now employed a large numl)er of men. 



240 HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY. 

BOILER AND MACHINE SHOPS AND IMPROVEMENTS. 

There are large boiler and machine shops in successful operation, 
under the management of W. H. Pawling; two large planing mills, 
owned by Samuel McCamant & Co. and Boyer, Guyer & Co. ; a 
large steam tannery, owned and conducted by D. P. Ray ; extensive 
lime-stone works and quarries of A. S. Morris; saw-mill and shingle- 
mill ; large steam flouring mill in town and others close by ; new 
process steel works in the vicinity, as well as the extensive Tyrone 
forges, conducted by S. C. Stewart, proprietor, who has long been 
identified with the prosperity of Tyrone, doing all that could be done 
to further its interests, and especially in urging the completion of the 
Tyrone and Lewisburg railroad, w^hich must largely add to the fu- 
ture prosperity of the place. The manufacture of illuminating gas, 
by the Tyrone Gas & Water company, may be considered as one of 
the growing industries of the place. 

PAPER MILL. 

A large paper mill has just been erected in the northern end of 
the town by Morrison, Bare & Cass, in which about eighty hands 
receive employment. With a front of 120 feet on Main street, 
the building extends back 190 feet. The rear wing, on a parallel 
wnth the front, is *70 feet, making the walls on three sides 380 feet. 
Out-buildings in the immediate vicinity have also been erected to sub- 
serve the purposes of the company. The interior of the main build- 
ing is filled with improved and finely adjusted machinery. 

BANKING HOUSES. 

About 18G6 William M. Llojal opened the first bank in the place, 
and was shortly after succeeded by the Tyrone bank, with Caleb 
Guyer as its cashier. For a long time previously, Mr. Guyer had 
acted as railroad agent, and in that capacity acquired an extensive ac- 
quaintance. Both banks did a large business. The latter is still in 
existence, and Mr. Guyer its efficient head. In the year 18T6 the 
Blair County Banking company w^as organized, and it, also, has be- 
come one of the fixed institutions of Tyrone. Edwin L. Study be- 
came its first president, and Gen. Robert A. McCoy, of the famed 
Pennsylvania Reserves, and private secretary of Governor Curtin, 
was made cashier. 

CHURCHES AND SCHOOLS. 

All the leading denominations have commodious churches, so that 
persons who are inclined churchward cannot go amiss in Tyrone. 



HISTORY OF AI/rOONA AND HI, AIR C(»INTY. 241 

The public school huildiiiii- is ainouii- the Itcst in the county. The' 
schools are g-railed, and in a flourisliin,i>' condition. There are also 
private schools, and within a short distance of town, is located the 
Mountain Seminary, a college for young- ladies. Churches and 
schools may not directly add money to the coffers of the people, but 
they are safeguards thrown around society, and g^uardians of science, 
intellig-ence, morality, and those national virtues for which our fore- 
fathers "pledg-ed their lives, their fortunes and their sacred honor." 

.lUSTICES OF THE PEAC'K. 

J. M. Calderwood and Saniuel Junes were the first justices of the 
peace. Both are living- and do honor to the constituency that elected 
them. Mr. Cakterwood is the Adams Express agent, and Mr. Jones 
is still acting as magistrate. 

[For history of Tyrone newspapers see i)ages 53 and 54.] 

MILITARY MEMORANDA. 

In 1835, eleven years before the erection of Blair county, David 
Robinson, (killed by a runaway accident at Frankstown, on Friday, 
August 6) ; J. G. Fleck, of Sinking Valley ; Allen McGlathery, E. 
B. Tipton, Robert Riddle, of Altoona ; 0. P. Haggerty, of Logan 
township, and Thomas Smith, of Scotch Valley, were seven of the 
sixty persons who formed a military organization, called "The 
Union Cavalry Company." The company was organized in Pleas- 
ant Valley, and Martin Bell, of Elizabeth Furnace, uncle of Mr. 
Martin Bell, the Hollidaysburg attorney, was made captain. James 
Hutchison, now of Altoona, was made first lieutenant, and Joseph 
Irvin, of Hollidaysl)urg, was second lieutenant. Mr. Fleck has 
made some researches in order to ascertain how many of the original 
members of the Union cavalry are living to-day, and the result has 
been as follows : B. F. Bell, now residing somewhere in the west, 
about (57 years old; James Hutchison, of this city, about 10 years; 
Oliver P. Haggerty, of Logan township, 68 years old ; J. G. Fleck, 
of Sinking Valley, 60 years old ; John Hamilton, of Altoona, prob- 
ably 65 years old; Smith Hamilton, living in the west, 63 years old; 
Allen McGlathery, of Altoona, TO years old ; David Henshey, of 
Antis township, about 70 years old ; Samuel Noble, who was born 
in the old log house that formerly marked the site of Altoona, but 
who now resides in Iowa, aged 60 ; Thomas Smith, of Scotch Valley, 
now about 65 years of age ; E. B. Tipton, then a resident of Logan 
township, but now of Altoona, 69 years ot age; Robert Riddle, 
now of this city, about 60 years old; Elias B. McClellan, at that 



242 HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY. 

time clerk at Allegheny Furnace, now living somewhere in the west, 
at the age of more than (iO ; Stephen Johnson, then living at Bell's 
Mills, but now a resident of Indiana county, about 60 ; Thomas 
Trout, of Logan township, al)out 66 years of age ; 0. P. Trout, 
then of Logan township, but now in Bedford county, about 60 ; Jo- 
seph Irvin, then of Scotch Valley, but now of Hollidaysburg, about 
()4 ; Elias Moore, of Scotch Valley, about 65 : James Hopkins, then 
of Logan township, now of Lee county, Illinois, about 65; A. K. 
Bell, then of Bell's Mills, Imt now pastor of the Baptist church of 
Altoona, about 65 years. 

.The Sheridan Troop was organized July 15, 1871, with C. S. W. 
Jones, captain, and J. C. Akers, first lieutenant. Mr. Jones was re- 
elected captain in 1876. George Grenninger was elected fir.st lieu- 
tenant, July 1, 1874, and re-elected to same position July 1, 1879. 
T. M. Fleck was elected second lieutenant December 1, 1875. The 
company numbers fifty-eight men, who, fully equipped with uniforms, 
carbines, revolvers, saddles, bridles, etc., present a fine military ap- 
pearance. Connected with the troop is a fine cornet band. 

EXTENSIVE CONFLAGRATION. 

Fp to the 8th day of July, 1880, Tyrone met with no serious re- 
verses. About three o'clock on the morning of that day a fire broke 
out in the livery stabh; attached to the City hotel. The stable was 
burned to the ground. Its contents, including nine horses, a number 
of buggies, carriages, wagons, etc., were also destroyed. The third 
story of the City hotel, as well as a two-story frame building occu- 
l)ied by the Blair County Banking company, clothing firm of Mem- 
inger & Stewart, and by Dr. J. M. Gemmil as an office, disappeared 
with the flames; also, a frame two-story house with a one-story addi- 
tion owned bv James T. Owens, and occupied by W. B. Stewart as a 
shoe store and dwelling and l)y Mrs. S. (t. Black as a notion and 
stationery store. The next victim of the fire was a two-story frame 
buildiug owned 1)y John A. Crawford & Bro., of Sinking Valley, 
and occupie(l by John W. Thomas as a dwelling and ])y Smith & 
Gray, grocers. From this point the flames \e'd\m\ across an alley and 
attacked a larg(^ In-ick l)uilding owned by the heirs of Wesley Nowlin, 
deceased, and occupied V)y Templeton, Crawford ife Co., as a dry 
goods store, the roof and upper story of which w(u-e i)artially de- 
.stroyed. A large frame warehouse in the rear of the store and a 
frame dwelling house in the same locality, also l)elonging to the 
Xowlin estate, met a similar fate. A frame dwelling house, ow^ned 



HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY. 243 

by W. Fisk Coiirnd, was next consiiincd. A (IwrHiii^' house iidjoiii- 
in,i>', owned by Mrs. Rebecca Walker, was totally destroyed. The 
"Herald" building-, adjoining- th(^ City hotel, on Main street, the lirst 
floor of which was occupied I)y D. B. Wilson as a l)Ook and sta- 
tionery store, the second floor by tlu; " Plerald" printing- office, and 
third floor by the Grand Army of the Republic, was partially de- 
stroyed — the first story remaining-. Next to the "Herald" I)uilding 
a two-story brick house, owned by Patrick Flynn, the first floor of 
which was occnjiied by the Tyrone bank and the second floor as 
offices by D. T. Caldwell and John A. Mat bias, as well as a two- 
storv frame hall adioining- the bank building, also owned bv Mr. 
Flynn, yielded teethe flames. The latter building was occupied on the 
first floor by the post office ; P. Sneeringer & Sons, tobacco dealers^ 
and George H. Garner, dealer in drugs; second floor, "Democrat" 
printing: office. Next destroyed was a frame building owned and oc- 
cupied by P. Sneeringer as a dwelling, and by Messrs. Van Yalzah 
& Wilson as a dry goods and grocery store ; also John Scullin's three- 
story brick building, occupied by him as a dwelling- and merchant 
tailoring- establishment; two-story frame building, used by I. P. 
Walton as a dwelling and jewelry store. An inconsiderable portion 
of personal property (goods, furniture, etc.,) was saved, and, in the 
absence of insurance the loss fell heavily upon many. The insur- 
ance, altogether amounted to about $100,000. The value of property 
destroyed was in the neighborhood of $150,000. 

In response to a telegram transmitted by J. D. Hicks, of Tyrone, 
to Chief Engineer Rose, of Altoona, about an hour after the fire 
broke out, the latter gentleman with the Vigilant Steam Fire com- 
pany hastened to the scene of the conflagration. When the call for 
help was received. Chief Engineer Rose and the firemen were in 
bed. Notwithstanding, in fifty minutes thereafter they arrived in 
Tyrone, fully equipped, and commenced the work of fighting the 
fire. Huntingdon had been called upon, and it was not long before 
it responded with a company of firemen and a steam fire engine. 
The Em])ire Hook and Ladder company, of Altoona, next made its 
appearance. These companies, with the Neptune, of Tyrone, all 
composed of fearless and active firemen, by concert of action, soou 
put an end to the devouring element. 

REBUILDINC! COMMENCED. 

Removing- the debris from the burnt district commenced immedi- 
ately after the fire, and it was not long before active preparations 



244 HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY. 

were made for the erection of more substantial and ini posing build- 
ings on the site of those destroyed. 

NEW RAILROAD DEPOT. 

The new railroad depot, built on the site of the old one destroyed 
by fire, has just been completed. The ground plan is 47^x68 feet, 
the basement is of the best and most durable stone, and the building 
consists of two stories above the basement. The north elevation 
shows one door in the centre; the east and west elevations, each 
two doors, and the south elevation, three doors, irrespective of the 
basement openings and the doors above the first story. On the first 
floor is the ticket office, dispatcher's office, express office, and several 
other departments. The apartments on the second floor are fitted 
and arranged for the office of the superintendent of the Tyrone di- 
vision, and his assistants. The main front elevation, with its octag- 
onal faces and angles, presents a fine appearance ; but the entire 
building, finished in the best style of railroad architecture, is an im- 
posing and magnificent structure. 

NEW IRON BRIDGE. 

Besides these industries and improvements we may mention a 
new iron bridge which now spans the Bald Eagle creek. It is sev- 
enty-five feet in length — a very neat and firm structure. It is of 
sufficient width for wagons to pass each other, with extensions on 
-each side for foot passengers. Soon another bridge, spanning the Ju- 
niata river, will be constructed. 

TYRONE'S FUTURE PROSPECTS. 

The iron-ore fields of Warriors-mark and Nittan)^ valleys, and the 
Spruce Creek and Half-moon valley mines on the east ; the inex- 
haustible coal* fields and lumber districts of Clearfield and Centre 
counties on the north and west, and the zincf and lead mines of 
Sinking Valley on the south — these resources, coupled with the beau- 



*Tlie product ranges from iO,000 to 60,000 tons per week. This coal is said to be 
superior to that mined in any other bituminous district. ' It yields, by analysis, 
seventy-four per cent, carbon, is comparatively free from impurities, makes but 
little ash, and consequently adds to its combustive power a medium percentage of 
volatile or inflammable gas. Large bodies of carbonate iron-ore, which mixes ad- 
vantageously with the hemitite and fossil ores of the Juniata valley, exists in part 
of the coal flelds. 

t One of the lime-stone belts of the lower Devonian, cropping along the val- 
ley, yields a considerable amount of lead and zinc, which, if properly developed 
through scientific skill, would start a remunerative busiiiess in the manufac- 
ture of oxides. Silex, or silica, in the form of glass-sand, is also abundant. 




SINKING SPRING CAVE, NEAR TYRONE. 



HISTORY OF ALTOONA AM) 15LAIR COUXTY. 245 

tiful Jui)iata|, which sends forth a iipverfiiilinj? supply of pure wa- 
ter, to,ii'ether with its aji-rieultural resources, must in the near future 
make Tyrone one of tlie most imj[)ortant and populous railroad 
towns of Pennsylvania. The health-imi)artinii- influences of the at- 
mosphere, and the heauty of natural scenery, combined with the ad- 
vantasi'es already recited, point with unerrin.y certainty to this result. 



DIRECTORY OF TYRONE. 



BOROU(iIl OFFICERS. 



Cliief Burgess, C. S. \V. Jones. | Treasnicr, C. J. Kt'Kel. 

Assistant do, John F. Rung. 1 Soluilor. J. I), lliclcs. 



TOWN COUNCIL, 

1st Ward— Samiiel Berlin, K. J. Pruner. 1 .'id Ward— A. G. Morris, M. J. MeCann. 
Una Ward— J. M. Smith, M. G. Crawford, j 41 h Ward- M. Stewart. Jno. Farrell, sr. 

SCHOOL DIRliCTOllS. 

J. M. Calderwood. D. P. Ray, sr. 

A. B, Hoover. | J. S. Plumuier. 

S. S. Blair. i J. H. Holtzinger. 

Constable, H. I. Harphani. 

Borough Surveyor, H. V. Boeckiug. 

CHURCHES. 

Evangelical Lutheran (German) church, organized in 1SH9. 

First Evangelical Lutheran (English) church, organized in 18T-2. J. H. Waltericlc, 
pastor. 

Methodist Episcopal church, erected in IS.V). Rev. J. F. Riddh', present ptistor. 

Presbyterian church, organized in 1.S57. Rev. S. M. Moore, D. U., pastor. 

St. Matthew's Roman Catholic church, organized originally in Sinking Valley over 
thirty -Ave years ago ; church built in Tyrone in 1854. Rev. Father J. C. F'arran. 
pastor. 

Y'oung Men's Christian Association, organized in 1870. President, Or. J. C. Ham- 
ilton. 

FIRE COMPANY. 

The Neptnne Hose Company. Organized in 187<i. Incorporated as Xeptune Steam 
Fire Engine Company in October, 1880. 

JTlie historic Juniata flows through the valley, and at this point, has 
cut a narrow channel through the shale rocks of Brush mountain. Flowing nearly 
in the opposite direction, and reversely tlirough the old prinuil bed of the Juniata, 
Is the Bald Eagle creek, which joins the river at Tyrone, in its ceaseless '-march to 
the sea." Sinking Run. (see engraving of Sinking Spring,) a beautiful mountain 
stream, enters a subterranean cavcirn at the upper end of towii, comes to daylight 
on the margin of the .Juniata, and forms its confluence with the river a short dis- 
tance above the mouth of the Bald F^agle. Sinking run is tappeil some distance 
above the "Sink," by the main water pipe, and supplies the town with pure and un- 
adulterated water. Two other very ttne mountain streams flow together below the 
"BigF'ill" on the Tyrone and Clearfield railroad, and the pure, sparkling water 
comes rushing, gushing, foaming and bounding over the rocks, until it enters the 
Bald Eagle above East Tyrone. Numerous smaller runs and rivulets drain the 
basins that enter the great valley. 
1() 



246 HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY. 

SECRET SOCIETIES. 

Tyrone Lodge, 152, I. O. of O. F., ve-oi-ganlzed In 1872. Meets every AVednesday 

evening in Heller's Hall, 
Tyrone Lodge, No. 494, A. Y. M., organized in 1S70. Meets the tliird Monday of 

each month. 

MISCELLANEOUS ASSOCIATIONS. 

Bald Eagle Building and Loan Association, incorporated in 1872. Sam'l McCainant,. 

president; J. M. Calderwood, secretary. 
Emerald Beneticial Association, branch 231, organized in 1872. William Vogt,. 

president. 
Tyrone Gas and Water Company, incorporated in 18(58. C. Gnyer, president; A. A. 

Stevens, secretary. 

SHERIDAN BAND. 

The Sheridan Band re-organized in 1879. Meets every Tuesday evening. 

BANKS. 

Tyrone Bank, organized in 1871. Caleb Guyer, cashier. 

Blair County Banking Company, organized in 1874. Robt. A. McCoy, cashier. 



BELL'S MILLS, OR BELLWOOD. 



We are indebted to Miss Clarke, a, daug-hter of Rowan Clarke^ 
M. D., for the following article: Bell's Mills or Bellwood is a vil- 
lage, on the line of the Pennsylvania railroad, seven miles north of 
Altoona. It is named for Mr. Edward Bell, who was one of the first 
permanent residents in the village. Quite a large number of Mr. 
Bell's descendants are now living in or near Bell's Mills. The village 
is noted for its beautiful mountain scenery and pure healthy atmos- 
phere. The Allegheny mountains almost completely surround this 
valley. The only stream of water in it is the Juniata river, and it is 
so small at this point, that it can scarcely claim the name of river. 
There are quite a number of mills in the immediate vicinity of Bell- 
wood. It is also one of the principal coaling stations along the Penn- 
sylvania railroad. This place has become cpiite famous of late as- 
the point to which all parties come on their way over the Bell's Gap 
railroad. This railroad was built eight years ago. Its chief object 
was to bring coal from the mines on the mountain to the Pennsylva- 
nia railroad cars; but it is much visited by strangers on account of 
the grand and romantic scenery surrounding it. The road is at 
present eight miles in length, but the company are building an ex- 
tension, which, when completed, will make a road twenty miles in 
length. The highest point is twelve hundred feet above Bell's Mills, 
The road winds along the side of the mountain, and crosses gorges 
over seventy-five feet deep. On all sides are mountains, and far be- 
low is the valley. On top of the mountain is a beautiful little re- 



HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND IJLATR COUNTY. 24T 

sort, called Rhododendron Park. This is a favorite place for picnics 
and excursions. The ])opulation of Bell's Mills has increased (luito 
rapidly since the building- of this railroad, and the business capacities 
of the place are much better than before. There are two stores and 
four churches in the village. In the cemetery are some graves bear- 
ing the date of the first years of the century. Bell's Mills has a 
population of about five hundred people. Nature has done much to 
make the village beautiful. A few touches from the hand of art 
would make it as pretty as any place of its size along the Pennsyl- 
vania railroad. 



ROARING Spring. 



This thrifty little village is located in the southern part of the 
county, about seventeen miles south of Altoona, on the Morrison 
Cove railroad at the junction of the Bloomfield railroad. It has a 
population of about 600 inhabitants. The town derives its name 
from the spring located on the land of G. H. Spang, of Bedford, Pa. 
The spring sends forth large volumes of soft lime-stone water, and 
the beautiful surroundings are used as a favorite picnic ground by 
adjacent towns. The spring derived the name of "roaring" from 
the sonorous sound produced by the flow of the water over a rocky 
precipice at the fountain head, which could be heard for a mile ov 
more. The artificial improvements, made some years ago, had the 
effect of destroying this gurgling sound. It still maintains its 
former name of Roaring Spring. 

Daniel Bare and his son, D. M. Bare, of the grist and paper 
mills, purchased the major portion of the land on which the town is 
located from Job Mann, of Bedford, in 1863. These enterprising 
gentlemen at once saw that it was a very desirable location for a. 
paper manufactory and the powerful volume of water emanating 
from the spring could be utilized to drive the machinery. Thev, in 
conjunction Avith John Eby and John Morrison, began the erectioiii 
of a paper mill which they operated successfully, but it was destroyed 
by fire. It was again rebuilt and operated again for seven years 
when it was destroyed by an explosion. Ph(enix-like, it arose from 
its ashes, and now it is one of the most complete paper manufac- 
tories in the State, employing in its various departments over one 
hundred persons. The enterprising firm have large stores in New 
York and Pittsburg. The mill is operated day and night, and the 



248 HISTORY OF ALTOONA and BLAIR COUNTY. 

mammoth Corliss enpiae is toiling- its ceaseless rounds from Monday 
morning until Saturday nig-ht without stopping. 

Besides the paper mill, Roaring Spring has a large grist mill, a 
commodious school edifice, four churches, telegraph office, etc. The 
spring itself, with its beautiful grove and charming surroundings, is a 
favorite resort for lovers of pleasure. 



Martinsburg. 



It is beautifully situated in Morrison Cove, about twelv'e miles from 
Hollidaysburg, on a branch of the Pennsylvania railroad, starting 
from Altoona. "Great Cove," in which it was situated, was settled 
in 1149, but the name was changed to "Morrison's Cove," in honor 
of a Mr. Morris, as early as HTO. It is an incorporated borough, 
with burgess and council. A number of rich ore mines are in the 
vicinity. This is the seat of the Juniata Collegiate Institute. [See 
page 25.] 

This town was settled by Conrad Martin, a well-to-do farmer 
from Washington county, Md. Among the early settlers were ex- 
Sheriff Alexander Bobb, Abraham Stoner and Daniel Camerer. 
There are six churches Avithin the borough limits — Lutheran, Metho- 
dist, Presbyterian, Church of God, German Reformed, and German 
Baptist. It contains a literary society and a cornet band. 

About two and a half miles south of Martinsburg is a village 
called Fredericksburg, with about two hundred inhabitants, situated 
on Clover Creek, composed of "The Brethren." 



WILLIAMSBURG. 



This village is located in the southeastern part of the county, 
pleasantly situated on the Juniata river. It was laid out in 1794 by 
a German named Jacob Ake, who purchased the land of Col. 
Canan. It was called Akestown, but previous to his death he 
changed its name to- Williamsburg, as an honor to his oldest son, 
William, who was about to leave him and settle in Tuckahoe Valley. 
The old plan of selling lots on lease, by payment of one Spanish 
milled dollar yearly, forever, was adopted by him, and to this day, 
most all the lots yield that tax. 



HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR TOUNTY. 249 

A spring- of very fine water flows throug-h t[ic centre of the town, 
which supplies several mechani(;al works. The furnace property is 
at present idle, but five dry goods, one grocery, one hardware and 
two drug stores indicate business. Homer ITewit has erected on the 
outskirts of the town an immense house for the propagation of poul- 
try of rare and valuable breeds, as well as swine. 



Gaysport. 



In his history of Hollidaysburg, commencing with page 201, Mr. 
Snyder makes allusions to Gaysport. We add that it was organized 
as a borough on June 9, 1841. It contains about eight hundred in- 
habitants, and is free from debt. It is separated from Hollidaysburg 
by the Juniata river. 



Bennington Furnace. 



This is a small village, composed, principally, of the emplo3^es of 
the furnace located there. The Bennington shaft supplies Hollidays- 
burg with coal for coke. In the neighborhood are the mines of Den- 
niston. Porter & Co., which supply Gap furnace with coal ; also the 
mines ofKittanning Coal company, of Philadelphia, shippers to mar- 
ket. The place is improving, the Cambria Iron company having re- 
cently erected ten double houses, in addition to what they previously 
built. A good boarding house or hotel is needed. There are two 
churches; population about tOO. 



KITTANNING POINT. 



This place was so named from the great Indian path or trail, be- 
tween Kittanning and the valley of the Delaware, which crosses the 
mountain through this gorge. Coal is extensively mined in the 
neighborhood, two branch railroads, each two miles in length, run- 
ning up the ravines to the mines. Population about 250. The post 
office has been removed to Glen White. 



250 



HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY. 



ARCH SPRING. 



This is a village with a population of 300 or 400, containing three 
churches, a post office and a seminary for young ladies. It lies in 
the vicinity of Tyrone. It derives its name from a natural arch 
which spans the Sinking Spring. fSee engraving on page 18.] 



TIPTON, 



This village contains three churches, among them a new Metho- 
dist church erected in place of the one recently destroyed by fire. 
Its location is ten miles east of Altoona and four miles west of Ty- 
rone, a station on the Pennsylvania railroad. Its population is about 
three hundred. 



Newry and DUNCANSVILLE. 



Newry (a borough) and Duncansville are towns containing be- 
tween 300 or 400 inhabitants each. The other towns of the county 
are small settlements from fifty to one hundred inhabitants, all of 
which contain post offices. Their names appear in the list of post 
offices of the county, as follows: 



POST OFFICES IN BLAIR COUNTY. 



Altoona, 
Arch Spring, 

IJciiniimton Furnace, 
Blue Knob, 
Canoe Creek, 
Clo\er Creek, 
Curryville, 
Duncansville, 
East Freedom, 
Eldorado, 



Fostoria, 

F'rankstown, 

Henrietta, 

Hollidavsburg, 

Glen Wliite, (Kit'g Pt.. 

McKee's Gap, 

Martinsburg, 

Mines, 

Newry, 

Olivia", 

Ore Hill, 



Poplar Run, 
Roaring Spring, 
Rover, 

SalSbath Rest, 
Sarah, 

Sinking Valley, 
Tipton, 
Tyrone, 
Williamsburg, 
Y'ellow Spring. 



APPENDIX. 



251 



APPENDIX. 



POPULATION. 

The population of Blair county in 1870 was 38,0,51. In that yeai' tin- population 
Of each township was as toUows : 



Allegheny township 1,913 

Altoona city 10,610 

Antis township 1.893 

IJhiir townshiji li.'iTl 

Catharine townshiii 907 

Frankstown township I,5.'i3 

Freedom to\\nship 1,020 

Gay sport borough 799 

Greenfield township 1,233 

Hollichiysburg borough 2,952 

Hiistou'tovvnship 1,33.5 



Juniata township ()21 

IjQgan townshii) 2,422 

Martinsburg borough .536 

North Woodbury township 9.53 

Snyder township 1,412 

Taylor township 1,360 

Tyrone township ],()06 

Tyrone borough 1.848 

Woodbury township 2,107 



Total 38,0.51 



In 1875 the population of Altoona was 15,329, distributed as follows : 



Fami- Popu- 

lies. latlon. 

First ward 418 2,322 

Second ward 549 2.70i 

Third ward 373 2,088 

Fourth ward 417 2.093 

Fifth ward 393 1,998 



Fami- 
lies. 

Sixth ward 478 

Seventh ward 114 

Eighth ward 262 



Popu- 
lation. 

2.267 
557 

1,265 



Totals 3,004 15,320 



The population of the county in 1880 is 52,733. In one sense this is otticial, but 
after tlie revised report is issued from AVashington slight inaccuracies may appear. 
We give the townships : 



Allegheny township 2.148 

Altoona city 19,740 

Antis township 2,282 

Blair townshiji 1,426 

Catharine township 579 

Frankstown township 1,783 

Freedom township 1,214 

Gaysport borough 764 

Greenfield township 1,286 

Hollidaysburg borough 3,1.50 

Huston" township 1,533 



Juniata township 723 

Logan towhship 4,.582 

Martinsburg boi-ough 567 

North Woodbury township 1,695 

Snyder township 1,391 

Taylor township 2,011 

Tyrone township 1,002 

Tyrone and East Tyrone borough. 2,957 

Woodbury township 1,900 

Total •''•2,733 



It will be observed that the population for the last ten years has increased 14,682. 
Of this increase Altoona is credited with 9,130 ; Tyrone and Hollidaysburg, 198. 
The following is the enumeration of the various wards of iVltoona for 1880: 



First ward 2,735 

Second ward 3,343 

Third ward 2,517 

Fourth ward 2.5S7 

Fifth ward 2,708 



Sixth ward 

Seventh ward. 
Eighth ward.. 



3,058 

825 

1,V»67 



Total 19,740 



BUILDING. 

Probably five hundred buildings of various kinds will have been erected for tlie 
year ending on the 31st of December, 1880, in the city of Altoonji. This is strong, 
practical evidence of the enterprise and progressive spirit of the citizens. Fortu- 
nately tliere has been but little difflculty in procuring materials. Good building 
stone can be obtained in the vicinity, and lumber can be transportetl from anj- 
point of the compass at very low rates. The best kind of clay for building brick; 
can be procured within a stones-throw of the corporate limits. At the yards of Mr. 
J. R. Vaughn, pressed, common, paving and angle brick can be procured in any 
quantity, at any time. The Altoona Fire Clay works, officially conducted by Dr. 
S. C. Baker, president: M. Kinkead, secretary and treasurer and W. L. Winkle, su- 
perintendent, produce the best article of tire claj- brick. 



252 APPENDIX. 

AVc reproduce an article wliicli appeaiefl in the Altoona Daily Sun of Jnly 26, 
1880 : "Evidence of the prosperity of the building and loan associations of Altoona- 
are plainly visible. Buildings erected through tlieir instrumentality are located, at 
short distances, all over the city. Outside of this agencj'. and besides the buildings 
constructed by individuals at individual cost and for individual benefit, a few citi- 
zens of means have aided less jirosperous citizens in erecting dwellings, agreeing 
to receive what otherwise would be paid for rent as so much i^nrchase money on 
the property, charging little or no interest on the amount invested, thus enabling 
the beneficiaries to secure lionies of tlieir own. One of these gentlemen is Mr. W. J. 
Heinsling, who lias been engaged in this good work for several years. He has assis- 
ted quite a number in this way, thus setting an example to others, which, if follow- 
ed, will result in permanent benefit to the cominunity." 

THE CITY PLANING MILL 

Is located in the south-westei-n portion of the city. It was erected in the spring 
of 1873 by a joint-stock company, who gave to it the title of "Peoples' Planing mill." 
The officers were: John Geesey, president ; J. W. Martin, superintendent and treas- 
virer. These, together with James Clabaugh, Fredericlv llesser and Louis Plack, 
constituted the board of directors. The land, buildings, machinery, etc., cost about 
$30,000. After the expiration of a year or so, failing to realize its expectations, and 
consequently unprepared to meet its financial obligations, the company asked for 
an extension of two years, which was granted by the creditors. Then failing in its 
payments, an assignee was appointed to ilispose of its property. The property was 
purchased by William Stoke, who, in company with other gentlemen of capital, 
are now engaged in its conduct, with profit, we trust, to tliemselves, certainly with 
credit to the community. The pi ice paid by Mr. Stolie was $11,700. 

The City Planing mill, with its office, a dwelling house, warehouses, sheds, sta- 
bles, etc., covers two acres of grc>uiul. The main building, (the mill) and oflieeare 
composed of brick, tlie former 60x1.50 feet, and the latter a creditable structure, with 
ample room for tlie performance of clerical lahor. Among other "conveniences," 
so to term them, is a railroad sitling capable of holding eight or ten cars. Additions 
have recently been made to the machinery, including the latest appliances for the 
abridgment of labor. Having thus far satisfactorily met the expectations of the 
public, Messrs. Stoke & Co. have the best wishes of tlie community. 

EXCELSIOR PLANING MILL 

Is located on Ninth avenue, between Eleventh and Twelfth streets. It was 
erected in 1869. John S. Uootli and Martin H. Mackej^ have conducted the establish- 
ment since 1876. The frontage occupied by the Planing mill and its appurtenan- 
ces consistingofvai-ious buildings— ofHce, sheds for the storageof lumber, etc.— iiieas- 
nres 1.^0 feet. Since Booth & Mackey assumed control of the mill, of which they are 
owners, much additional macliinery has been added, and other improvements made 
from time to time. Both these gentlemen being practical and experienced 
draughtsmen, caipenters and btiilders, are evidently the right men in the 
riglit place. Hence no ilifliculty is encountered by those who wish buildings 
erected, tor plans, estimates and specifications are quickly made out, and the work 
executed in a manner entirely satislactory. During the entire period in which they 
have been engaged in business no complaints have been made by any of those who 
liave availed themselves of their services, for they have conducted affairs, from 
the commencement up to the present time, upon the strictest principles of integ- 
rity. Their business has increased in arithmetical, or we might say, in geometrical 
progression ever since. Notwithstanding this, their facilities tor the fulfilment of 
orders is fully equal to the demands made upon them. 

MOUNTAIN CITY STAR MILL. 

The Mountain City Star Mill, of C. Hauser & Son, located at the corner of Eighth 
avenue and Sixteenth street, Altoona, is a large and substantial structure littea 
with all the most apijroved machinery for the rapid and economic production of 
the l«est grades of flour. The engine room is well adapted to its use and contains 
a forty horse power engine of modern construction and is provided, as are also the 



APPENDIX. 253 

■boilers, with tlio bost siifcguaids against acciilciU. Mr. James llauser is the engin- 
eer, and the .splendid condition of the machinery, under liis care, proves that lie is 
the right man for tlie place. 

A twenty-fonr inch belt connects the engine with the main slialling of the mill 
which contains four run of stone adapt<'d lo vai'ious work. Tlie linris, at great ex- 
pense, are provided with Ilotfner's patent coil back lasb spring whicli secures a 
steady and regular motion without jar. 

All wheat is put through one of C. D. llanna's steamers and dryers before going 
te the burrs and the firm make the celebrated new process flour which linds so 
much favor with the best judges. A patent middlings purifier and a Eureka smut 
machine— the best in use— are among the machinery of the mill, which also con- 
tains one of Richmond's smut machines with combined breaker and cleaner. 

From the third floor of the mill a line view is obtained of the city anil sliops, 
while the floor itself is crowded with machinery, all in active motion ; there being 
four bolting reels on this floor, each 2\X ltH>t long, which bftlt tlie flour and separate 
the bran, etc. Here are storeil eiglit thousanil bushels of choice wheat selected 
with great care and especial reference to its flouring qualities. The grain is re- 
ceived at the second floor where it is carefully inspected and weighed and dropped 
into the receiving bin, and from thence Is elevated to the fourth story and con- 
veyed to the smut and brush machines that we have spoken of. These machines 
separate all impurities and thoroughly cleanse the giain from dust and leave it in 
a golden shower, pure and clean, on its way to the burrs which grind it. It is flrst, 
however, passed through the steamer, and is stt^amed and dried before it is ground. 
The burrs are four feet in diameter, and grind flfteen bushels per hour each. 

The ground wheat is elevated again and goes through the bolts, purifiers, etc., on 
the third floor. It descends to the second floor where it is weighed and packed into 
sacks or barrels to siiit the requirements of patrons. The miller is Harry G. Gard- 
ner, a prince of good fellows and a practical man, who always makes A No. 1 flour. 
His assistant, William Hauser, is also a practical miller of rare judgment and great 
experience. 

C. Hauser, sr.,one of Altoona's oldest, most reliable, energetic and safe business 
men, is the senior partner and general nuinager of th.e Arm Mhile the oflice business 
is transacted by his son, C. Hauser, jr., who, to all the good (lualities of his father^ 
adds a genial pleasant manner that always attracts anil retains friends. 

The flour of these mills flnds ready sale because of its excellent quality which is 
even and can always be depended upon to give satisfaction. The flrni also deal 
largely in all kinds of mill products, bran, feed, shorts, grain, seeds, etc., and can 
always be depended upon to sell at the lowest market prices. Their mill consti- 
tutes one of the institutions of which Altoona is deserveilly proud and their popu- 
larity and business are daily iucreasing. 

NEW AMERICAN SEWING MACHINE. 

Agencies are established in every city of the United States, all the countries 
of Europe, Mexico, Canada and South America. The "American" has taken the 
flrst premium at neai'ly every public exhibition at which it appeared, including the 
Centennial, where it received two flrst-class awards, one for the ingenuity and sim 
plicity of its construction, the other for the work done on it. The company claim, 
with propriety, that it is the best family and light numufactnring machine in exis- 
tence. D. R. Betts, a polite and courteous gentleman, is the general agent of Cen- 
tral Pennsylvania. His residence is in Ilarrisburg. E. C. Reese is the popular 
agent in Altoona. 

TERRA COTTA WORKS. 

in February, present year, John A. Canan erected a building on INIargaret ave- 
nue, near the Branch railroad, for the display and sale of Terra Cotta merchandise. 
On the 20th March he commenced business, and has been doing well ever since. 
He keeps a complete stock of chimney tops, lawn vases, etc., together with fire- 
brick flues, and other articles in consonance with, if not legitimately belonging ta 
the business. He deals also in lime, sand, hair, cement, brick, etc. He has the good 
wishes of the community. 



254 APPENDIX. 

SENATORS AND REPRESENTATIVES. 

BeJow we give a list of Senators ami Representatives of tlie districts to -vvbicli 
Blair county was joineil, when not entitled to separate representation : 

ASSEMBLYMEN. 

Blair— Henry Bridenthall and David Blair. 
-Henry Bridenthall. 
do. —Joseph riiggins. 
-Charles Kinkead. 
md Huntingdon— Seth K. UlcCune and W. B. Smith. 

do. do. do. 

do. — Jaines I>. Gwin and S. S. Wharton. 

do. do. and James Maguire. 

do. -George Leas and G. W. Smith. 

do. —John M. Gibbony and J. H. Wintrose. 

do. do. do, 

do. —Rolicrt W. Christy. 

do. — Jacob Burley. 

do. ' do. 

do. — James Roller. 

do. — Thaddeu.-:* Banks. 

do. — R. A. IMcMurtrie (died in 1880). 

do. do. 

do. — James G. Adlum. 

do. do. 

do. — Samuel McCamant. 

do. do. 

do. — Jos. Robinson. 

do. do. 

do. — B. L. Hewitt. 

do. do. 

do. —Seth K. McCune. 

do. do. 

do. —J. C. Evcrhart and I. II. Ilawlins. 

do. do do. 

do. —Daniel Sliock and David M. .Jones. 

do. do. M. Edgar King. 

do. — B. L. Hewit and D. A. Gilland. 

SENATORS. 

1847 Huntingdon and Bedford— John Morrison. 

1848-50 Huntingdon, Bedford and Blair— Alexander King. 

1851-53 Huntingdon, Blair and Cambria— Robert A. McMurtrie. 

1854-59 do. do. do. —John Cres well, jr. 

1860-(i'2 Bhxir, Cambria and Clearlield— Louis W. Hall. 

1863-64 do. do. do. — Wm. A. Wallace. 

1865-07 Blair, Huntingdon, Centre, Mifllin, Juniata and Perry- Louis W. Hall and 

Kirli Haines. 
1868-70 [District the same]— Chas. J. T. Mclntyre and s. T. Sliugert— Sliugert un- 
seated by contest and Jolin K. Robinson, seated. 
1871-73 do. do. —P. Bruce Petrikeu ami D. M. Crawford. 

1874-80 Blair and Candjria— .John A. Lemon. 

COAL TRAFFIC OF THE CITY. 

However it may have been before the erection of those immense receptacles for 
-coal, usually called "trestles," in tlie eastern part of 1 he city, subseciuently and ever 
since our citizens have been supplied witli both anthracite and bituminous coala, 
in large or small quantities, as they desired, at any and all periods of the year. 
These depositories for coal were erected in 1878, antl on July 11, tliat year, thej' 
received tlie first ear-load of coal. There are three "trestles," each 000 feet in length 



1847 


Blair 


1848 


do. - 


1849 


do. 


1850 


do. 


1851 


Blair 


1852 


do. 


1853 


do. 


1854 


do. 


1855 


do. 


1856 


do. 


1857 


do. 


1858 


do. 


1859 


do. 


1860 


do. 


1861 


do. 


1862 


do. 


1863 


do. 


1864 


do. 


1865 


do. 


186() 


do. 


1807 


do. 


1868 


do. 


1869 


do. 


1870 


do. 


1871 


do. 


1872 


do. 


1873 


do. 


1874 


do. 


1875 


do. 


1876 


do. 


1877 


do. 


1878 


do. 


1879 


do. 



APPENDIX. 



255 



luul each of sufliciont witUh to :ulniit ;i train ofciyrht cms. includinfi; an engine. As 
many as twenty-two cars, averaging twelve tcnis eatth, liave Ijeen unloaded in a^in- 
gleday. We mention this as an instance of the amount of coal received in a sin- 
gle day, not as an illustration of the celerity with which cars are unloaded, for the 
contents of one car can he discharged in three minutes' time. The capacity of each 
"trestle" is ahout 1,000 tons— hence 3,000 tons at a time can receive storage. We may 
state, in this connection, tliat in addition to the quantity here deposited, 2.000 addi- 
tional tons are consigned to dealers in other parts of the city. Purchasing coal in 
such large quantities, and by watching the market closely enabled to buy at the 
lowest rates, G. A. IMcCormick is prepared to sell coal in large or small (luantities, 
either to dealers or consumers at low figures, resulting in benefit to the community. 
And in proportion as the city increases In population, the business of this gentle- 
man increases. As an instance, for the season of 1879-80, about 2,c00 more tons were 
sold than during the iirevious season. 

THE ALTOONA IRON COMPANY 
Was formed in 1872, for the purpose of manufacturing merchant iron, and was 
chartered July 10, 187:J. The construction of the rolling mill was commenced July 
24, 1872, and was put in operation April 10, 1873, with a capacity of 3,C00 tons manu- 
facturing iron annually. Since 1874 extensive improvenu-nts have been made, and 
has now a capacity ot 10,000 tons manutacturing iron per annum. The officers are: 
S. C. Baker, president; W. M. Wheatley, secretary and treasurer; S. C. Baker, 
James Gardner, Robert Smiley. John P. Dean, D. K. Kamey and John Fullerton, 
directors. 

ALTOONA CAR WORKS. 
In 1808 shops were erected on the site now occupied hy the Altoona Car AVorks, 
by the "Altoona M anufacturing Company." A fire, which occurred on INIay 23, 1879, 
destroyeil the buildings. Recently new and better structures were reared, filled 
with improved machinery and such other appliances as enable the new- manage- 
ment to execute better work, more promptly, and at lower prices. The principal 
industry, as the title of the establishment indicates, is the manufacture of railroad 
cars; coal pit wagons, castings of every description, and general machine work oc- 
cupy a large share of the attention of the company. The works are located at 
the extreme limits of the south-western portion of the city. 

The following gentlemen compose the boartl of ofhcers : S. C. Baker, president; 
S. H. Smith, treasurer and secretary; M. A. Green, superintendent: C. Campbell, 
John Keily, S. C. Baker, S. H. Smith and M. A. Green, stockholders. 
MOUNTAIN CITY FLORAL ESTABLISHMENT. 
Allen S. Myers recently established a florticultural garden, so to call it, on 
Howard avenue, between Ninth and Tenth streets, Altoona, and exhibits a stock of 
rareplantsandflowers, together with such as are in more general demand, at all 
seasons of the year. He is meeting with success. 

CITY PASSENGER RAILWAY. 
At a special meeting ol the city council, held on the evening of May 12, an ordi- 
nance authorizing the construction of a street railway was passed by a large major- 
ity of that body, since which time books have been opened by the leaders of the en- 
terprise, and a considerable amount of stock subscribed. The captal required was 
$.50,()(M); shares $50 each par value. The probability is that the road will soon l)c 
built and equipped. 

CONTEMPLATED ALTOONA AND CIIERRYTREE RAILROAD. 
The project of constructing a narrow gauge railroad between Altoona and Cher- 
rytree, has not, at this time ot writing, assumed a practical shape, further than that 
several routes have been surveyed by engineers in the employ ot the parties inter- 
ested, w-ho are men of means, influence and energy, residing here anti at other 
points along the proposed route, among whom we may mention James Perry, of 
Chest Springs: Joseph Behe, ofCarroUton : George Meyers, of Gallitzen township, 
and Dr. S. C. Baker and D. and C. Moore, of Altoona. 



256 



APPENDIX. 



LIGHT COMPANY. 



L'ndei' (late of SepU'iiiber 10, 1880, there was grunted by the coimnonwealtli ol 
Pennsylvania a eharter for "Tlie Altuona Liglit Company,'' tlie corporation to be 
perpetual. The purpose of the company is to shpply the public witli light by means 
other than gas— which means, as we understand, by electricity. It Is the Intention 
of|the managers to pusli the matter actively, and they are assured their meth- 
ods will be both acceptable to the people and successful. The officers of the com- 
pany are Jolm P. Lcvan, president; T. H. Wigton, treasurer; John R. Bingaman, 
secretary ; K. P. Mervine, solicitor. 

MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS OF INTEREST. 

The council of Altoona has not, as yet, determined where the new reservoir or 
reservoirs shall be located. The water question is treated on pages 63, 65, 153 and 154. 

The tidephone, which was recently introduced by J. Chester Wilson has proven 
a success, most ot the leading business men of Altoona having adopted it. 

The Merchants' Exchange, recently organized, we trust will stay with us. 

James Philip Lowe, at the time of his death, which occurred on May 28, 1880, 
was the oldest passenger engineer on the Pennsylvania railroad. 

J. B. EwiNG, practicing law in Harrisburg, taught a select school or academy in 
AV. Altoona school house, commencing April 1, 1S57. 

We acknowledge our indebtedness to the press of Altoona, Hollidaysburg, and 
Tyrone, as well as the Philadelphia "Times" and "Chronicle-Herald," Harrisburg 
"Patriot" and "Telcgrajjh," and indeed to the press of the entire State for notices 
and other courtesies extended to us. 

H. H. Snyder, esq., commander of William G. Murray Post, No. 39, G. A. R., of 
Hollidaysburg, who was a member of the same company as Lieutenant Stephen C. 
Potts, prepared an able biography of that chivalrous gentleman and soldier for 
publication in the "Grand Army Review," of Philadelpha, the official organ in the 
<lepartment of Pennsylvania. It, as well as the historical delineation of Hollidays- 
burg in this book, evinces a peculiar aptitude for literary labor. 

DuuiNG the first six months of otHcial control (from April until October, 1880), 
Mayor Howard has collected in tines, building permits, etc., $1,312.97. 

The foremen and clei-ks in the "lower shops,'' on July 22, (18^0) presented a cor- 
ner stone for the new residence of Jno. P. Levan, general foreman, Altoona, which 
was accompanied by a neat address. Mr. Levan responded in a few well chosen re- 
marks, expressive of his appreciation of the gift. 

One of the unerring signs of the rapid progress of a town is the establishment 
of houses exclusively devoted to one branch of a specialty of trade, such, tor in- 
stance, as that of George A. Streit, who deals exclusively in leather and shoe lind- 
ings. 

Wm. Fortenbaugh, was one of the seven voters who supported Peter Cooper as 
National Greenback-lalxn- candidate for President of the United States. We will 
here remark that Charles C. Stanbarger. who was nominated for Mayor of Al- 
toona on the National Greenback-labor ticket, in the spring 1880, but declined, was 
elected sheritf of Mifflin county, in 1860, for a term of three years, after which he was 
sent to the legislature by a large majority. 

Isaiah Bunker, Hollidaysburg, was the first blacksmith whose name appeared 
on the check-roll in the machine department of the "upper shop>ii." 

John Dougherty, now between eighty and ninety years of age, residing at Mt. 
Union, Pa., was the first engineer on the old Portage railroad, 

Bernard Kerr, father of R. A. O. and E. F. Kerr, who died in the west about 
nine years ago, kept the first store that was located on Tenth avenue, between 
Thirteenth anil Fourteenth streets, Altoona He did a thriving business in 1855-56. 

Outside the routine of official duties as city treasurer, Dr. Bittner assumes the 
dual character of dentist and portrait painter. However widely-extended his repu- 
tation as a dentist may be, it will be eclipsed, if he don't stop practicing, by his 
newly assumed profession. The portraits of General Hancock, General Garfield and 
Rev. Dr. Hamlin aie really master pieces of art. 



Table of Contents. 



PAGE 

PRKFACE ^ 

INTRODUCTION ^ 

The Piiterniil Pivient of Altooiiu .1 

Pi-iniuiy Attciiiplx ;iml Successes "> 

Pennsylvania I tail road •^ 

Portaiie liailioail 7 

Boat Taken over AUe-ilieny Mountains 10 

Gradual Ascentof Pennsylvania Railroad 11 

Summary of Its Progress 11 

BLAIR COUNTY. 

Bounds, Population . etc la 

Agricultural and Mineral Resources 15 

List of Furnaces ]7 

Sinkinsc N'alley 1^ 

Natural Curiosity }^ 

Logan, an Indian Cliiet". •• • -. • }; 

Scoteli Settle in FranUstowii and Catharine Townships 19 

How and When Townships were Formed lit 

Educational History '■^'■; 

Description of New Court House ■ -<> 

Discourse of .Judoe Dean, giving History of the Courts and Bar. . . 31 

List of Members of the Bar 43 

The New Jail *? 

Almshouse and House of Employment v> 

The County's Finances ■■•■■. *i 

Names of County Officers and Years ot Election 47 

Newspapers and Other Publications ™' 

CITY OF ALTOONA. 

Introductory Remarks •>•' 

Hotel Accommodations 0} 

Site of the City Selected J;! 

Where the Shops were Located r,- 

Names of Localities *'■• 

When the Work was Commenced '» 

Instance of Increased Value of Real Estate <)3 

Banking Houses *^: 



Churches 



63 



Water Supply *^ 

Centennial Celebration J^a 

Centennial " Fourth." '" 

Kailroad Riots ^^ 

W hat Transpired in Altoona £{ 

Order of Robert Pitcairn i,! 

ISl ilitarv on Their Way to Pittsburg M 

Strike inaugurated i* 

Sherilfs Pruelamation i+ 

Proclamation ot Mayor Gilland >J2 

Meeting at the Brant House e} 

Speech of James F. Milliken ^2 

Speech of Frank P. Tierney '_i. 

Speech of Thomas H. 'ireevy 4 < 

Patrolling the Streets (^^ 

Sundaj-^ the Culminating Perioil ot the Excitement (."^ 

Meeting of the Railroad Men 7!) 

Citizens' Msetinu; '•' 

Meeting of the Shopmen «|- 

Adj ourneil 31 eeting ™ 

Arrival of Governor Harlnintt »> 

His speech to Citizens * 

His Proclamation ^ 

Rumor Calcuhitetl Further to Excite the Populace csy 

*' Camp Beaver." ^i 

Grand Jury Presentment '^i 

Routing of Tramps ^' 

Vei eran Soldiers' Organization '^j 

Fairing Up Engines °; 

Additional Troops en route; tor Pittsburg «> 

Clearing the Depot ^ 



258 TABLE OF CONTENTS. 



Arrival of Eleven Car Loads of Troops 90 

Stri ke En ded 90 

The Strike at Tyrone 90 

Conclave of Knights Templar 91 

Relief for Ireland— Speech of Mr. Parnell « 91 

Meeting of the <;entral Pennsylvania Conference, M. E. Church.. 93 

Relief of the Milton Sulferers 94 

Meeting of Stale Medical Society 9.5 

Prohibition Convention 98 

Decoration Day Ceremonies 98 

Our National Anniversary. (1880) and how it was celebrated 99 

Meeting of Pa. State Equal Rights' League 101 

Public and Pkivate Schools 1'^- 

The First School House 1'*'- 

Passage of t he Common School Law 102 

Union Church and School House lf'3 

P. ranches Taught 103 

Veteran School Directors lO.j 

Establishment of Countv Superintendency 10] 

Erection ot School Buildings 10-> 

City Superin tendent and Teachers of High School 1«7 

(trading of Schools 109 

More Substantial Buildings Erected 109 

Revised Course of Instruction 110 

Teachers' Institute 110 

Death of First City Superintendent 110 

Growth of the Public School System Ill 

Rapid Increase of School Population Ill 

Number of School Buildings 11'^ 

Names of Teachers, Grade, Enrollment of Scholars, etc lU 

Names of Teachers for 1880-1 Ib^ 

Value of Puldic School property H-t 

(Officers of Public Schools, etc 117 

English and German Private Schools 117 

City Churches. -, ^ . 

Baptist— First and Second 119 

Gatholic— English and German 121 

Christ Reformed 12'.i 

Church of God 123 

Hebrew synagogue l'^^ 

Lutheran— First and Second 12o 

Methodist— First. Second, Third, Mission and African 129 

Presbyterian— First and Second 130 

St. I uke's Protestant Episcopal b^3 

The Bret hren 13* 

United Brethren 137 

Christian Associations. 

Young Men's Christai n Association W9 

Railroad Men's Christian Association 141 

Cemeteries. 

Fairview Cemetery 1+'^ 

Oak Ridge Cemetery 1« 

St. John's Cemetery 115 

St. Joseph's Cemetery l-lo 

Eastern Light Cemetery 1*5 

City Fire Department 1-48 

Engine, Hose and Truck Houses 1*7 

Board of F.re Department 1-17 

Chief Engineers 1'19 

Officers and Mendjers of Good Will Company 149 

onicersand Members of Empire Company 149 

Othci^rs and Members of Vigilant Company < 150 

Otlici'rsiind Members of Excelsior Company 151 

Oflic»i-s and Members of Altoona Company 151 

G as and Water Department 153 

Pennsylvania Railroad Company's Shops. 

Introductory Remarks 157 

jVlotive I'ower Department, or Upper Sliops 158 

Blacksiiiilh Shop 159 

Machine Shop 159 

T he V ise Shop hjl 

The Boiler Shop Ifi'- 

The Foundry 1'''- 

The First Erecting Shop Itj'-i 

The Second Erecting Shop 103 

The Paint Shot) ^'^'^ 



TABLE OF CONTENTS.. 251) 

J.ife and Services ot Locoiiiotives Kio 

Class " K • ' Eiijjinos ](;5 

Uecordof Movements and Condition of Engines ............[ Kit; 

Car DErAiiTMKNT ou Lower Shops ](;7 

^laehinc Shop Hi'.) 

Pass(nifjcr Car Shop 171 

Freight Shop ."..'.'.".'!!".■"*.■"" 173 

iilacksniith Shop I71 

rhmingMill ijt 

Tin Shop '...'.'.'.'.'.'.'.'.'.'.]'.'.'.'.[[[['.'.'. 177 

Cabinet Sliop, or Gl>ic llooni .'..'............... 178 

Paint Shops ^79 

U pholstering Shop is-^ 

Beatty's Shop -\>Q 

Resident OriiicEus Pennsylvania Railroad Company. 

In General Superintendent's Office 18.5 

In Ofliec Superintendent Motive Power 185 

In Olliee SuptTintciuleut Transportation '...'. iSo 

Foreman and Assistants of Motive Power Shops 18G 

Foreman and Assistants of Car or " Lower Shops." lfi() 

Dispatcher, Supervisor, and Assistant Trainmaster 187 

Altoona City- Government. 

List of Burgesses 189 

Mayors and Years of Election 189 

City Treasurers and Term of Office ] '. i8i> 

City Recorder .' . ' ' _ _ igj) 

Members of Con ncil 189 

Secretaries of Council '.'..'. ......./..'. 1% 

Solicitors '.'.'.'.'.'. 190 

Civil Engineers .'.'..'.. ............'!.'.'.'..!! ii)0 

Superintendent Water Deitartnient W .\ . . . [[[ 190 

Policemen ]']] " ' ' y^ 

Street Commissioners '. 191 

Aldermen ...'.'.'...... 191 

Constables ....................[...[',]][[ 191 

City Finances of Altoona. 

Receipts and Expenditures for 1879 191 

Number ot Taxables, and Valuation of Property.!. .'....'.". .....!'.'.! i9i 

Assessments 19X 

General Directory op Altoona. 

Avenues and Streets 19;{ 

M iscel laneous A ssociations 195 

Building and Loan Associations 195 

Orders of Red Men 191^ 

Orders of Odd Fellows.. .'..'. 195 

Knights of Pythias 197 

Mason ic ' . ' '. 197 

Opera House ......'.'.'........ 197 

Silver Grey Social Clnb .'.' .".' 197 

Telegraph Offices pjf 

Post Office hours 197 

Musical Organizations. 

Altoona City Band I97 

Mountain Citj- Band ......'..". 198 

Junior Greys' Band !.............. 198 

Citizens' Cornet Band '. ........".' 198 

German Social Cornet Band ....".'..".'.. 198 

Frohsinn Singing Society .' . . 198 

Concoi'dia Singing Socierv iqs 

The Military..' ." '. ■.'.■..".■.■.■■.■.■■.■■■. i98 

Members of Company I> ..!!.......... -iof) 

HOLLIDAYSBUBG. 

Erection of the First Sulistantial House 002 

First Survt'y made 204 

Fo\uth of July ■)05 

Bil ly T)< )naldson 's Tavern .".".'.'..'.*...'.'...... ^06 

Frankstown in the Lead '"07 

Advantageous Situation .'.'.'..'.'.'.".*....... ■>07 

I^nterprisc of Jolm Blair ."oj^ 

Arrival of the First Canal Boat .[....[.. "'Oi) 

Education Lookt^d _Vfter .>09 

Borough Officers ..'.'.'.'.'.'... ^10 

Their First Meeting 210 

How Money was Provided 210 

Railway from Philadelphia to Pittsl)nrg .'. -m 

Notable Storms and Floods ' Z^ 



260 TABLE OF CONTENTS. 



PAGE 

Formation of Blair Countv 214: 

Military AttalrM " 215 

Visit of Kosi^uth 220 

Discovery of Iron Ore 220 

Construct ion of the Reservoir 221 

Fire Aiiparalns and Fire Companies 221 

Market House 222 

Hon i( lay stiu vj; in 1812 222 

Gas Intidilneed 223 

Water Works ami Reservoir 224 

Presbyterian Clmreh and Its Pastors 224 

St. Micliaers Roman Catholic Church 227 

Lutheran Clmrcli 229 

Baiitist Chui'ch 230 

Hollidaysburg Seminary for Young Ladies 231 

The Great Fire in Hollidaysburg 232 

Blair County Medical Societj*. 2.33 

Prominent Citizens 234 

tyroxp: r.( )I{< >r gh 237 

First Building Krectetl 237 

Hail road Facilities 238 

Tyrone and Clearfield Railroad 239 

New Division of Pennsylvania Railroad 239 

Superintendents and Clerks 2.39 

Shops of Pennsylvania Railroad 239 

Boiler and Machine Sliops and Improvements 240 

Paper Mill 240 

Banking Houses 240 

Churches and Schools 240 

J ustices of the Peace 241 

Military Memoranda 241 

Extensive Conflagration 242 

Rebuilding Commenced 243 

New Railroad Depot 244 

New Iron Bridf4;e 244 

Tyrone's Futu re Prospects 244 

General Directory 24.5 

Bell's Mills 24(5 

Roaring Spring 247 

Martinsburg and Williamsburg 248 

Gayspokt, Bennington Furnace and Kittannino I'oint 249 

Arch Spring. Tipton, Newry and Duncansville 250 

Post Offices in Blair County 250 

APPENDIX 251 



ILLUSTRATIONS. 



FRONTISPIECE— Glimpse of Altocma. 

Arch Spring between pages 20 and 21 

Cresson '• " 68 " 69 

Portrait of Mr. Parnell " " 84 " 85 

Horseshoe Curve " " 100 "101 

Sylvan Scene on the Alleghenies " " 148 " 149 

Sinking Sjiring Cave " " 244 " 245 

Locomotive and Tender pti^e 158 

Parlor, sleeping and Passenger Cars 170 

Postal and I'.aiigiige Cars 170 

Interior of Parlor Car 173 

Interior of Sleeiiing Car 181 

Interior of Passenger Car im 

Court House in Hollidaysburg 201 

Hollldayshurg Seminary " 212 

Diagraiii of Tyrone ". 238 



INDEX TO ADVERTISEMENTS. 



McXcvin iV Yfii,U''i'. smves. lios llth avcuuf ^'- 

BiUtZfU & Itoiiss, ilry goods, lltli avemu- n«ar l.itli stivi'l 1'' 

John Daily, pliotof^iaplis, 1311 lltli avciuio -<' 

G. K. OiiiR's, hairdresser, 8th avenue anil 17th street '^> 

Irwin's Drufi Store, llth avenue and Kith street ** 

Moss Moser & Co., fjroceries, Gth avenue and 7th street --^ 

AV. J. Heinsling, dry gi'ods and groceries, Mtli avenue and llth stn-et 2S 

Wm. Murraj-, dry goods, 1317 llih avenue -J'^ 

E. S. Miller, physician. IGth street and llth avenue -^^ 

Harry Szink, groceries, Hth avenue and 8th sticel •^'' 

Thonuis \V. .Jackson, lawyer, 1010 l-2ih street •"^fi 

r>. K. r.eegle, jeweler, l'2tli street, between 8th and 9th aven nes 3(! 

Franklin House, Al. lUirgoon, proprietor, 17th street ■*<* 

.Fohn M. Peters, meats, Hth avenue near 0th street 40 

George A. Streit, leather, 1117 5th avenue ^^ 

J. R. Vaughn, dry goods and groceries, 8tli avenue and '21st street 44 

.Josiah Arthur, (Lewis C. Tipton, successor), furniture, 1008 llth avenue 48 

D. G. McCuUongh, grocer, llth avenue, between llth and lith streets S'2 

W. K. Ward, coal, 9th avenue and 17lh street ^■- 

1?. Berkowitz, grocer, 1318 llth avenue •''•' 

F. F. Tierney, lawyer, llth avenue and KJth street ['*> 

Jacob B. Cowen, grocer, 8th avenue and 19th street '^ 

Blair County Radical, llth avenue and 16th street •^'' 

Tribune, daily and weekly, 12tli street near 12th aven ue <iO 

I. VV. Toouiey, merchant tailor, llth avenue and 17th stret^t GO 

Sun, daily and weekly, llth street near llth avenue W 

M. J. Smith, blacksmith, llth street and 10th avenue C4 

Call, daily, weekly and Sunday, llth avenue ne»r 13th street G8 

S. M. Griffith, painter, llth avenue near llth street ^^ 

Volksfuehrer, German paper, 112'2 llth avenue "- 

Henry Hench, paints, 13th avenue and IGth street "2 

Booth & Mackey, Excelsior Planing mill, 9th avenue near I2tli street 7G 

W. W. Yon, grocer, 17th street near llth avenue >^ 

J. A. Canan & Co., terra cotta, Margaret avenue ami 19th street 80 

E. H. Keyes, gents' furnishing goods, llth avenue near I7th street 84 

R. Luebbert, tobacco, 1110 lltli avenue ^ 

Prof. R. C. \Var<l, music teacher, 8th avenue ai.d 12thstreet S4 

S. K. Orr, coal, llth avenue and 4th street 84 

H. J. Cornman, clothing, 1107 llth avenue 88 

William Stoke & Co., City Planing mill, 20tli street, (branch railroad) 92 

E. C. Iteese, American Sewing machine. .5th avenueand 12tli street 9G 

C. W. Sickles, meats, 1224 9th street • ItW 

R. A. Bonine, photographer, 14th street near llth avenue... 100 

W m. M. Findley, physician, 802 12th street 1«4 

J. D. Hughes, coal, 9th avenueand 19th street 104 

1). A. Bradley, marble works, llth avenue near llth street 104 

Miss Annie Shotfner, milliner. 12th street, between 8th and 9th avenues 104 

Philip Teats, auction house, 12th street, between 8th and 9th avenues 108 

Allen E. Myers, floral establishment, Howanl avenn«' l)et. 9th and 10th streets.. . 112 

1). R. Christian, grocers, 1018 Chestnut avenue 112 

T). & C. Moowe. grocers, llth avenue and l.ith street 1 IG 

Wm. McDowell .'(: S(m. dr>- goodsand groceries. 7th avenue and i:Uh streel lid 



262 INDEX TO APVERTISEME-NTS. 

PAGE 

Lindsey & Beckiiuin, iiUMliciiu-s, 11th avcniu', l)etwccii 14tli and 15111 streets 1'20 

D. A. Barr, grocer, 1807 8th iivenue I'H 

II. H. Snyder, lawyer, Hollldayslmrs? 124 

J. C. Iniies, druggist, 9th street helow (!tli avenue I'H 

J. W. Isenherg, dentist, 8th avenue and r2th street lit 

Jonathan Foreman, furniture, 4th avenue and lOth street 128 

G. A. McCorniick, coal, 4th street and 8th avenue 13'2 

A. F. Blackl)urn, 99 cent store, opera liouse 132 

I). W. Colycr, painter, 12tli street near 9th avenue 13(> 

W. B. Reese, stoves and tinware, 712 9th street 13(5 

J. B. Suiith, boots aud shoes, 1321 11th avenue 140 

H. B. Miller, dentist, 1410 11th avenue 140 

Ohnes & Bro., meats, 11th avenue between 13th and 14tli streets 144 

James W. Findley, Insurance, 11th avenue, between 12lh aud 131h streets 144 

J. Wesley Allen, physician. 1330^4 11th avenue 144 

Terkel C. Nelson, jeweler, 112(i 11th avenue 148 

J. F. Fulton, physician, over Randolph's drug store 148 

A. Luebbert, tobacco, 1008 17th street 148 

AVilliam B. Miller, dentist. 1330)^ 11th avenue 148 

Palmer & Morse, carriage builders, 8th street, between G!h and 7th avenues l.")2 

Curtis' Dollar Store, 11th avenue and 13th street 15f> 

C. A. Dimond & Co., coal, 9th avenue, between 17th aud ISth streets W) 

M. (i. Lingenfelter, grocer, 14th street and 13th avenue l(i(> 

Rudisill Brothers, jewelers, 131011th avenue KiO 

,J. M. Bowman, dry goods, 11th avenue and l-2tli strei-ts Iti4 

E. M. Kennedy & Co., Logan town IGS 

Altoona Launtlry, 11th avenue ajid Kith st i-eet 168 

John Kinsel, carpets, 804 Chestnut avenue 168 

R. B. Mahattey. music good*, 1201 J^ 8th avenue 168 

D Wylie, plumber, 1108 14th street 172 

Mrs. Adam Gable, confectioner, 706 and 708 12th street 17(> 

Elway & Mauk, grocei's. Green avenue and 9th street 176 

B. F. Rose, alderman, 11th avenue near l'2th street i76 

J. C. Conrad, coal, 11th avenue between 17th and 18th sti-eets 176 

S. O. Adler, grocer. 1316 12th avenue 180 

Dr. J . II. Weaver, druggist, 17th street near 10th avenue 180 

Piper & Co., stationers. 1316 10th avenue 180 

Ed. J. Slep. Youth's Mirror, 1122 lHh avenue 180 

A. F. Heess, bakery, 713 13th street 184 

Ed. Mountney. house and sign painter, in opera house building 184 

Thebault Rivailles, phj'sician, 1124 11th avenue 184 

Howard Tii^ton, livery stables, l(il7 11th avenue, near lltb street 188 

Campbell & Cole, dry goods, 8th avenue and 13th street 188 

Fries Brothers, hardware, 1313 11th avenue 192 

C. F. Randolph, cosmetine, 1106 11th street 196 

M. Fitzharris, grocer, 12th avenue and 16th street 196 

NetT & Mervine, lawyers, 13th .street, between lOtb and 11th avenues 196 

John O'Toole, alderman, 11th avenue and 17tli stre(>t 190 

Ilollidaysburg Seminary 212 

S. M. GrifBth, house and sign paintei-, 11th avenue near 11th street 263 

J. G. Vallade, confectioner, 10th avenue, betweeh 13th and 14th streets 2.')3 

W. R. Vaughn, plumber and gas titter, 7th avenue and 1.5th street 263 



ERRATA. 

Although Dr. Thebault Rivailles can speak several languages: in his ju-ofes- 
sionul card, page 184, we should lla^•e printed "consultations in French and Eng- 
lish" instead oif "French and (iernian." 

For "shows" in fourth line from top of page 97 read "crosses." 

For "AVilliam" read "Wilbur" 15. Blake, page 82. 
For "alarcity," page 198, 11th line from bottom, read "alacrity." 




HJIVE YOUR CLOTHES MJIDE TO ORDER BY 

ALFRED E. GOETZ. 

MERCHANT TAILOR, 

15101 Eleventh Avenue, Altoona, Pa. 



V 



V H 



But our clcnimf :uul liiiilil\- iirtistic work on pcrmiinciit cxliilntioii ;ill ovcf tlic city, 

on thi; t'.\t(M'i<)r ami in i lie iiiti'iior ot'scvcriil li.iiulrcd houses, speaks i)lainly, 

l)ositivcl >• and iuuM|iii vocally ofoui- sii piTioiily over all rivals in the 

PAINTING. GRAINING"?^KALSOMINING 

Ilnsincss, wliatcvci- t heir i)rct('n1 ions Tuay be 

S. M. GRIFFITH, 

Corner 11th Avenue and 11th Street, ALTOONA, PA. 



av. r. vaughn, 

Plumber and Gas Fitter, 

At Ills iu!\v establlsliinent. constructed (^.si)ecially tor contluctlng liis business 
to the best advantage, is prepared to execute all kinds of work in his line, prompt- 
ly, in the b(^st manner and at tiie lowest prices. He ki'eps in lull stock, Gas Fix- 
tures, ineludiufic chandeliers, etc.. and is pii'parcd. at a moment's notice, to execute 
i'.ll oi-dei's entrusted to his care. 

SEVENTH AVENUE AND FIFTEENTH STREET, ALTOONA, PA. 



J. G. VALLADE, 



WHOLES.\LE AND RETAIL I)E.\LER IN 



], TOYS, MUSICAL I 



SATCHELS, CHILDREN'S CARRIAGES, PERFUMERY, VASES, 
Dolls, Foreign and Domestic Fruits, Notions, Sej>ars, ToV)acco, etc. 

1324 Tenth Avenue, - - - Altoona, Pa. 



HARRY SLEP, 

PLfilNofiNDiFUNCYtJOB+PRINTER 

News|)aper aiul liook Publisher, 

ALTOONA, PA. 






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